Lorraine Mae Miedema was born May 13, 1930 in Ypsilanti, ND to Olaf and Edith (Olson) Sortland. She died March 5, 2023 at Chanhassen, MN.
Lorraine is preceded in death by her parents; her husband John Miedema (1999); and her sister Darlene (Sortland) Miedema (2018).
Lorraine is survived by her brother, Duane Sortland; her children, Dr. Brent Miedema (Renee) Mansfield TX, Luann Wyatt (Andy) Edina MN, Jodi Tewksbury (Scott) Edgeley ND; grandchildren, Luke Miedema, Rachel Payne, Eric Miedema, Claire Wyatt, Joe Wyatt, Maggie Bussey, Shannon Duer and Allison Bauers; and great grandchildren, Hudson Miedema, Sammy Miedema, Annie Miedema, Liza Miedema, Jason Payne, Ethan Payne, Kathleen Miedema, Jude Miedema, Iris Miedema and Calvin Bauers.
Lorraine grew up in Svea Township in Barnes County, ND; attended Svea country school, graduated from high school in 1948; attended Valley City State Teachers College and earned her two-year education degree in 1950. Following graduation, she accepted a position as second grade teacher in Edgeley ND where she met John Miedema, who was a banker there. They married on June 24, 1951, and enjoyed 48 years of marriage. After having her first child in 1953, Lorraine stayed home to raise her young family. In 1968 she returned to UND Ellendale and earned her bachelor’s degree in English as well as a library science certification. She was hired for the position of Media Director in the Edgeley Public School system in 1970 and worked there until her retirement in 1995. Her students famously nicknamed her Ms. Media because it sounded so much like Ms. Miedema.
In 2007 Lorraine moved to Columbia, MO to be near her son, Brent, and his family. In 2017, she moved to an assisted living facility in Chanhassen, MN, near her daughter, Luann, and her family.
Lorraine was a member of Kulm Baptist Church and participated in the music ministry as director of the youth choir, singing, and playing piano. Lorraine loved to sing, she sang in many duets, trios, and choirs over the years. She was active in several organizations including Civic and Study Club, Edge-Ette Homemakers, Christian Women’s, and the Red Hat Club. She also earned an official clown certification, which was great entertainment for her grandchildren, who were her greatest joy.
A funeral will be held 10:00 a.m., Friday, March 24, 2023 at Kulm Baptist Church in Kulm, ND with lunch and gathering to follow.
Burial will be at Mount Hope Cemetery, Edgeley.
Memorials may be sent to Kulm Baptist Church, 8 2nd St. SE, Kulm, ND 58456
Williams Funeral Home handling the arrangements.