Obituary: Lorrain Vrem

Lorrain Vrem

McVille, N.D.

Lorrain O. Vrem, 90, of McVille, N.D, formerly of Tolna, N.D., passed away on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, N.D.

Lorrain Orville Vrem was born October 6, 1932, in Freeborn Township, south of Hamar, N.D. He attended country school and then Hamar Public School through the 8th grade when he had to leave to help on the farm. He eventually received his GED and even attended college courses at Lake Region Junior College.

In 1951, Lorrain enlisted in the United States Air Force and served during the Korean conflict. He worked on the C-119 and C-124 cargo planes as a mechanic and electrician. He was honorably discharged in 1955 with the rank of Airman First Class. Lorrain then worked in construction until he started his own business in 1962, "Tolna Repair Service." He continued to do mechanic work until the age of 75 when he retired in 2007.

On August 1, 1964, Lorrain was united in marriage to the love of his life, Jenny Roerick. They were married 55 years and were inseparable until Jenny's passing in 2019. Lorrain lived in or near Tolna all his life, until 2019 when he moved to the assisted living center in McVille, ND.

Lorrain loved to travel, hunt and fish. He had many trips to Canada with his buddies fishing and every fall he deer hunted with his brother in the Sheyenne River bottoms. Lorrain loved family road trips and his travels took him to 49 states, many with family in tow. The state he never visited was Nebraska. Lorrain was always busy doing projects to the house or in the yard. He loved spending time outside. In the winter, his time outdoors was riding snowmobiles. As a mechanic he had a passion for cars, so he happily sponsored many Demolition Derby Cars.

Lorrain was a lifetime member of the Tolna American Legion Post #162.

He is survived by his daughters Roxanne (Bryan) Lang, Devils Lake, Wanda (Trent) Throlson, Fargo, N.D. and Kristie (Todd) Haakenson, Willow City, N.D.; eight cherished grandchildren, Matthew Lang (Alyssa), Mitchell (Morgan) Lang, Nicholas Throlson (Kelly), Ashley Lorrain (Devan) Hafner, Brody Haakenson, Brock Haakenson, Blake Haakenson (Kaitlyn) and Brant Haakenson; three great-grandchildren, Reese Lang, Quinn Lang and Bryson Hafner; brother Mike (Diane) Vrem and sisters Bernice Newman and Shirley (Dale) Ehlers; sister-in-law Diane (DeWayne) Piker and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Thomas and Agnes (Gjestvang) Vrem; four brothers Archer, Orris Vernon and Wallace Vrem; and most importantly, the love of his life, Jenny Vrem.

Lorraine O. Vrem will be remembered by all for his unwavering dedication to his family, his unwavering service to his country, and his zest for life that touched the hearts of everyone fortunate enough to know him. His memory will forever remain in our hearts as we celebrate a life well-lived and bid farewell to a remarkable individual who created lasting memories with those he loved.

There was a gathering of family and friends on Thursday, September 14, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. with a time of prayer and remembrance at 6:30 p.m. at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake, N.D.

Mass of Christian Burial was on Friday, September 15 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Tolna, N.D. with Reverend Steven Meyer celebrating the Mass. Lorrain was laid to rest beside his beloved Jenny in the Tolna Cemetery. Military Honors were accorded by the Tolna American Legion Post #162 and the North Dakota Military Funeral Honors Team, Air Force.

Arrangements by Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake, N.D.