Raised in a simple, blue-collar family on the southeast side of Chicago, Lorraine’s family
dynamics modelled an evangelical faith, strong work ethics, commitment, and community
service.
After high school, she completed a trade education in Computer Processing which led her to the
fast-paced financial world of the Chicago Board of Trade. In 1982, Lorraine would pack up all
she learned about commodity trading and married Gene, a farmer in South Dakota. After
farming and raising livestock for four years, they sold the farm, moved into town, and
established multiple agricultural businesses. Recognizing a need for the farmers and ranchers
of South Dakota, Lorraine and Gene opened a commodity brokerage firm, crop insurance
agency, and insurance consulting practice. They built their companies on quality service and
were recognized at both state and national levels. Managing the wonderful team of
professionals lasted nearly 32 years.
While raising their family in Mitchell, SD they were active community and church members.
They supported a variety of causes to include church plants and board memberships.
As a Mesa, AZ winter visitor, Lorraine was introduced to Saint Ignatius Antiochian Orthodox
Church in 2017 and was illumined in 2019. She uses her administrative skills as a frequent
volunteer and for the last several years has been given the blessing of Archpriest James Coles
of Saint Ignatius to coordinate the many moving parts for a program on the church property to
house and feed unsheltered families through the Family Promise organization. Through these
experiences, she has been a witness to the struggles and accomplishments of this new society.
Lorraine is a loving mother of three children and the crown of age has gifted her five beautiful
grandchildren. Her loving husband of thirty-six years passed in 2018 with their family at his side.
She considers herself blessed to be able to watch her family grow and give back to their
churches, communities, and nation.
Her hobbies include gardening, wood carving, camping, hiking, reading, remodeling, and
projects of any kind.
Below is a word from our SMM Coordinator:
The human heart is in the most need especially of the healing touch of Jesus. Many don’t have in person contact with the fullness of the Good News of Jesus Christ in the form of a local Orthodox Church Parish with a full time Priest or even a Deacon for a reader service. Many Priests and Deacons work unrealistic bi-vocational hours to share the love of Jesus. We can bring relief. To give to this worthy cause simply click the button below.
