Loraine J. Backer

Loraine Backer RANDOLPH — Funeral services for Loraine J. Backer, 97, Randolph, were Sept. 28, at St. Jane Frances de Chantal Catholic Church, Randolph. Father Kevin Vogel and Deacon Doug Tunink officiated the service. Interment followed at the St. Frances Catholic Cemetery, Randolph.

Visitation and a vigil service were Sept. 27 at St. Jane Frances de Chantal Catholic Church.

Loraine J. Backer died Sept. 22, 2024 at the Colonial Manor, Randolph. Stonacek Funeral Chapel, Randolph, was in charge of the arrangements.

Loraine was born south of Randolph on April 10, 1927, to George and Anna (Hoffman) Thelen. She attended District 55 country school through the 8th grade. Loraine was married to James H. Backer on September 1, 1947, at the St. Frances Catholic Church. Besides a brief time, Jim and Loraine lived and farmed around Randolph their whole lives. Mrs. Backer was a lifelong member of the St. Frances de Chantal Catholic Church. Loraine enjoyed gardening, baking, bowling league, canning, especially pickles, dancing, and spending time with her family. For a majority of her life, Loraine resided on her farm southwest of Randolph.

Survivors include: two daughters, Carmen Shaffer of Randolph and Cheryl Gansebom of Osmond; four grandchildren, Stephen Shaffer III, James (Lynn) Munter, Jennifer Shaffer, and Beau (Anna) Gansebom; six great-grandchildren, John, Natalie, and Emma Munter and Isaiah, Ruby, and Jacob Gansebom; two siblings, Norbert Thelen and Mary Ann Tunink, both of Randolph, and one brother-in law, Steve (Marsha) Backer of Albany, Oregon, sister-in-law Norma Thelen of Randolph, plus numerous nephews, nieces, and other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, James H. Backer; her parents, George and Anna Thelen; siblings Helen, Urban, Irene, Melvin, Kathleen, George, and Paul; son-in-law Doug Gansebom, and special family friend Diane Erickson.