Judith Mary Loraas

Judith Mary Loraas, age 80, passed through death to eternal life on Jan. 10, 2024 at Solvay Hospice House in Duluth, Minn. Her grace and positivity during her years of cancer treatment were an inspiration to her family, friends, and neighbors.

Judy was the second of eight children, born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on April 5, 1943. She graduated from Stanbrook Hall (affiliated with the College of St. Scholastica) in 1961 in Duluth. After attending the University of MN-Duluth, she graduated from the Neenah, Wis. School of Nursing with an LPN degree. Judy and Richard Loraas were married on August 27, 1966, and lived in Duluth, Grand Rapids Minn., and Indiana as Dick’s career evolved.

Judy lived her life with high energy, empathy for others, and caring for her family, friends and especially vulnerable individuals in need of care and assistance. She had a productive and exemplary career in nursing in Illinois and at St. Mary’s Hospital, Benedictine Priory and Itasca Medical Center. While in Grand Rapids, she received her AA degree with highest honors from Itasca Community College. Judy was involved in numerous community activities everywhere she lived. She took up golf alongside her many other interests including biking, gardening, skiing, and walking with her many friends.

After returning to Duluth in 2003, she committed her energy and enthusiasm to her three children and four grandchildren in countless ways including engaging the grandchildren in appreciation of music and the arts. 

She was preceded in death by her parents Fred and Rose Rohlfing, brother Robert Rohlfing, and husband Richard.

Judy’s survivors include her three children, Becky (Phil) Zrimsek of Northfield, Minn., Paul (Dawn) Loraas and Gregg (Chayme) Loraas of Duluth; grandchildren Ella, Lilly, Nathan, and Hannah; sisters Kathy (Jerry) Spehar, Mary (Steve) Walsh, and Peggy (Brad) Sager; brothers Bill (Renee) Rohlfing, Mike (Pat) Rohlfing, Jim (Wendy) Rohlfing; sisters-in-law Betty Rohlfing and Judy (Brad) French; and many nieces, nephews and friends. Special grateful thanks go to Mary and Steve Walsh for their above and beyond care and support these past years, to the wonderful staff at Essentia Oncology and Radiation Oncology, and the caring team at Solvay Hospice House.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. with a Visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. at St. Benedict Church, 1419 St. Benedict St., Duluth. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and may be directed to Retired Sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery, Bennet Hall, 1001 Kenwood Ave., Duluth MN 55811; The Duluth Playhouse, 211 E. Superior St. Duluth MN 55802; or the charity of your choice.