Orel Jane Loe

Orel Jane was born on March 15, 1929 to Josephine (Arlien) and Oscar Hagen at home near Wegdahl. She was baptized and confirmed at Black Oak Lake Lutheran Church. Orel Jane began her school days at District 15 and graduated from Montevideo High School in 1947. On June 12, 1949 she married Gerald Loe. They lived their first 20 years in Mankato where their 4 children were born. In 1966, they moved “back home” to the farm near Maynard. Orel Jane was a very active member of both Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mankato and Wang Lutheran Church. She shared her faith in Ladies Aid and for many years as a teacher and superintendent of the Sunday School.
Family was important to Orel Jane. She remembered all birthdays (on the day) and treasured time spent with her family. She spent many an hour on bleechers and cold auditorium chairs listening carefully for their voices, their musical instrument part and cheering on her fledgling athletes. They were all her super stars. Orel Jane was a hard working woman who raised a family on modest means but was wealthy beyond all measure with faith, family and friends. She paid attention to detail – whether darning a sock, ironing a ruffly toddler dress or picking strawberries, her hands worked in a precise manner. Orel Jane’s hands peeled more potatoes, canned more jars of sauce and tomatoes than anyone could count…her spaghetti was hands down the family favorite. Orel Jane and Jerry were always on the go and enjoyed visiting friends, sharing a sandwich, and making yearly trips to the Arlien Reunion and Hostfest.
Christmas was a bittersweet holiday for Orel Jane, as her father passed away on Christmas Eve when she was 8 years old. Orel Jane made Christmas bright by hanging wreaths in each upstairs window, candles would twinkle in the lower floor windows and on the piano, a manger would rest on top of soft angel hair. We are confident that Orel Jane’s windows are already decorated and the manger will truly rest on angel hair this year.
Orel Jane is survived by her husband, Gerald of Montevideo and her 4 children: LoAnn Kirchberg (John) of Glencoe, Paul of Maynard, David (Barb) of Coon Rapids, and Lori Petersen (Alan) of Clara City. Eleven Grandchildren: Colleen (Molden) & Pat Aaberg of Eden Prairie; Cherlynn (Molden) & Jason DeJong of Willmar; Chris & Jackie Molden of Cameron, WI; Keith & Tracie Loe of Maynard; Kurt & Julie Loe of Belgrade; Kristin (Loe) & Keith Binsfeld of Clarkfield; Erin (Loe) & Richard Bohn of Shakopee; Emily Loe and Anna Loe of Coon Rapids; Ross Petersen of Mankato; and Beci Petersen of St. Paul.& fiancé Jeff Eliason of Massachusetts; fifteen great grandchildren: Lily, Sam & Finn Aaberg; Addison & London Molden; Tyler, Molly & Evan Loe; Cameron, Karlee, & Carter Loe; Wyatt & Tucker Binsfeld; Madeline & Ryan Bohn. Nephews: Mike (Marge) Connor and Bob (Gloria) Connor, and other family and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents, sister Geraldine (& Lloyd) Connor; niece Evelyn (& Bruce) Norton; and Great Grandson Caden Loe.