Lorna Schunke

Lorna Sylvia (Hanson) Schunke, aged 98, died Thursday, October 16, 2025 at Olmsted Medical Center.

She was born in Whalen, MN on October 2, 1927 to Roy and Clara (Forland) Hanson. She graduated from Wykoff Mn High School in 1945. Lorna married Lauren E. Schunke, her husband of 57 years, on October 4, 1947. Lorna worked in Registration at the Mayo Clinic for a few years, and then, after starting their family, she worked part-time in Food Service at the Elks Club for 50 years.

Lorna was a tireless and faithful "doer" and worker with a huge heart for service. Along with three other Rochester mothers, she started the Olmsted County Association for Retarded Citizens in 1955. ARC of S.E. MN now serves persons with disabilities in seven counties.

Lorna was an excellent baker, cook, hostess, and gardener. She could do almost anything and always had a home improvement project underway!

She put on hundreds of miles shuttling her kids and grandkids to activities. She also served as a Cub Scout leader for years.

A member of Bethel Lutheran Church for 77 years, she volunteered with the Women's Circle, Altar Guild, funeral lunches, rummage/auction sales and stewardship drives.

In 2023 she was a recipient of the Mayor's Medal of Honor. In her later years, she was a voracious reader and also enjoyed completing numerous Word Find puzzle books. She took great pride in never having to look up any answers at the back of the books!

Lorna enjoyed trips with her family. A special "high" light for her was a 2013 hot air balloon ride with her son, Jim.

Lorna was preceded in death by her husband, Lauren; her daughter Cheryl; parents Roy and Clara; and four brothers, Harold, Wayne, Richard and Rodney. She is survived by her daughter Barbara; sons Robert (Kim) and James (S.O. Nancy); her granddaughters Linzie (Brandon) and Alexis (S.O. Jordan); and great granddaughters Baylor and Brooklyn Lorna.

We love you mom. Thank you for everything. You've worked so hard and for so long, it's time to rest now. God bless you and give you peace.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at Bethel Lutheran Church (810 3rd Ave SE, Rochester, MN 55904). Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM. Burial will be at Grandview Memorial Gardens in Rochester, MN.

Please direct any memorial gifts to PossAbilities and/or Bethel Lutheran Church. Thank you so much.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Schunke family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com