Service Information
Lorraine “Rainy” Walsh, age 84, wife of Bill, passed away Saturday, July 5, 2025, at Ridgeview Medical Center in Waconia.
Memorial Service will be Friday, July 11, 2025, 11:00 A.M. at the United Church of Christ in Gaylord with interment in the Gaylord City Cemetery.
Gathering of Family and Friends will be Thursday, July 10, 2025, from 4:00 P.M.-8:00 P.M. at the United Church of Christ in Gaylord and will continue one hour prior to the service on Friday.
Obituary
Lorraine “Rainy” Ida Walsh was born on September 11, 1940, in Tyrone Township, LeSueur County, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Lloyd and Phyllis (Hartstock) Kahle. Lorraine was baptized as an infant and was later confirmed in her faith as a youth, both at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Henderson. She received her education in Henderson and was a graduate of the Henderson High School class of 1958.
On December 6, 1958, Lorraine was united in marriage to William “Bill” Walsh at the Catholic Church in Henderson. After their marriage, the couple resided in Henderson until 1966 when they moved to Gaylord. Lorraine and Bill were blessed with four children. Lorraine's passion was her daycare and with patience and her love of children, she ran her daycare in her home for 42 years. She retired in 2005. Lorraine and Bill shared 66 years of marriage.
Lorraine was a member of the United Church of Christ in Gaylord where she was actively involved in the Ruth Circle.
Rainy enjoyed playing cards with family and friends and being a part of a monthly card club. She also loved swimming, being in the water, and watching sporting events. In her younger years, Rainy stayed active by riding bike and knitting was one of her favorite hobbies. She looked forward to catching up with friends and her sister, Harriet, over a good cup of coffee. Every Saturday night, Rainy had a supper date with Bill; this was something she looked forward to every week. Rainy cherished the time she spent with her family, especially Bill, her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and her sister, Harriet.
When she needed assistance with her care, Lorraine and Bill became residents of the Assisted Living at Bayside Manor in Gaylord. She passed away on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at Ridgeview Medical Center in Waconia at the age of 84 years. Blessed be her memory.
Lorraine is survived by her:
Husband, Bill Walsh of Gaylord, MN;
Children, Mike (Jan) Walsh of Gaylord, MN,
Cindy (Roger) Franke of Kasson, MN,
Doug (Traci) Walsh of Chaska, MN, and
Randy (Ann) Walsh of Gaylord, MN;
Grandchildren, Brad (Amanda) Walsh, Holly (Travis) Otto, Amy (Dan) Gunderson, Matt (Kristen) Franke, Mason Walsh and his significant other, Lydia, Marcus Walsh, Tanner (Taylor) Walsh, and Breann (Mark) Huneke;
Great-grandchildren, Harper Walsh, Griffin Walsh, Seville Walsh, Grady Walsh, Kyson Walsh, Braxton Otto, Sydney Otto, Landen Gunderson, Madison Gunderson, Paisley Franke, McCoy Franke, Tenley Franke, Noah Walsh;
Sister, Harriet Troldahl of Gaylord, MN;
Brother, Wayne (Peggy) Kahle of Paynesville, MN;
Sister-in-law, Shirley (Gene) Brandt of North Mankato, MN;
Nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Lorraine was preceded in death by her Parents, Lloyd and Phyllis Kahle; Father-in-law and Mother-in-law, Matt and Margaret Walsh; Great-grandchildren, Sawyer Otto, Brynlee Otto, Parker Otto; Sister-in-law, Kitty Jo Collins; Brothers-in-law, Dayle Troldahl, Dick Collins.
Bonnie Hahn says
I am so sorry for your loss.
You have my deepest sympathy.
Deb and Jason Cross and Christopher Wosmek says
Sorry to hear that Lorraine has passed. Our prayers are with our neighbors.
She raised a village over the years and will be missed by them all.
Julie Cross & Jess Mueller says
Walsh Family:
The Walsh’s were the best neighbors and I marveled at Bill & Rainy’s relationship and their weekly dinner date as well as the visits with her sister Harriet.
Rainy ran a tight ship with her daycare kids and they all loved her for it; I didn’t know how she did it with her rheumatism but she had the patience for the little ones and patience for Bill being down at the ball park with our dad Dave every chance he got.
Please know that our thoughts are with you Bill,Cindy, Mike, Doug, Randy, Harriet and family as you morn the loss of your Wife/Mom/Sister.