Lorraine (Stephens) Eker, age 90, of Rochester, MN and formerly of Marshalltown, Iowa passed away at her home on Tuesday, June 5, 2012 from cancer.

Lorraine was born on October 22, 1921 southwest of Gilman, Iowa in Jasper County to parents Eli Ethel and Maud (Addington) Stephens.  Lorraine graduated from Marshalltown High School in 1940.

Growing up on the farm was an adventure for Lorraine and her siblings—Vera (Harry) VanDePol, Rama (Jack) Kuhleman, Alfred, and Loyd (Geraldine then Gertrude).  Lorraine was the last surviving relative of her immediate family, being preceded in death by her parents, as well as all siblings and their spouses.

Lorraine married Paul Leon Eker on December 16, 1940 at the State Street Evangelical Church in Marshalltown, Iowa.  They were married 55 years at the time Paul passed away in February of 1995.  Surviving children of Lorraine and Paul are Paul Louis (Kay) of Marshalltown, Iowa and Susan (Charles Steinbach who died in1991 and Gerald Molloy who passed away in 2011) of Rochester, MN.  Grandchildren include Christine (Michael) Boyer of Rochester, MN; Paul Louis Eker, Jr. (Andria) of Ashville, NC; and Darik (Tara) Steinbach of Minnetrista, MN. Lorraine was proud of her great-grandchildren Zachary, Sydney, Melanie,Jonathan, and Jacob Boyer.  Great grandson Isaac Boyer preceded Lorraine in death in 2005 of SIDS.  Lorraine is also survived by a special niece,Barbara (the late Robert) Paul of Kansas City, MO and formerly of Marshalltown, as well as several nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

In her younger years, Lorraine was an avid golfer and member of the American Legion Women's Golf Association.  She was most proud of her hole in one and the friendships that were cultivated on the golf course.  Lorraine was a 62-year member of the Frank Lewis Glick American Legion Auxiliary Post #46, holding various leadership roles throughout the years, including past president.  She was also a member of the Marshalltown Medical & Surgical Center Hospital Auxiliary, the Animal Rescue League, and an election judge.  Lorraine enjoyed her role as a homemaker and shared her friendly attitude as a J. C. Penney sales associate in Marshalltown.

Lorraine was a 13-year member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Rochester where she belonged to Sarah Circle, the Quilters, Elderberries, and Resource Assembly.  She was also a long-time member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Marshalltown prior to moving to Rochester in 1998.  Of special interest to Lorraine was the relationship she developed with animals and the care she and Paul provided for more than 50 family dogs through the years when their pet parents were unable to do so.  During the holiday season, Lorraine could always be found in the kitchen baking up magical treats for her friends and family.

The funeral will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 8, 2012, at Redeemer Lutheran Church (869 7thAve SE – Rochester, MN 55904) with Pastor James Heining officiating.  Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the church on Friday. There will be a visitation at Mitchell Funeral Home (1209 Iowa Ave West –Marshalltown, IA 50158) on Saturday, June 9th, from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. with a prayer service the last half hour.  Interment will follow at Rose Hill Memorial Garden in Marshalltown.

Memorial contributions are preferred to charities dear to Lorraine's heart—the Marshalltown Animal Rescue League or Redeemer Lutheran Church in Rochester.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com

Macken Funeral Home and Mitchell Family Funeral Home are in charge of the arrangements.