Lenora Holtorf

Lenora Holtorf, age 91 of Apple Valley and formerly of Hastings, died peacefully at home on Wednesday evening, February 2, 2022. She was born at home to George and Lenora (Burnett) Schmidt in rural Titonka, IA, the sixth of nine children. Christened Lenora Mary Wilhelmine Schmidt, she was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Titonka. Lenora graduated from Woden H.S. in 1947. During high school, she worked as a bookkeeper at the grain elevator and although was encouraged by her employer to go to school for further education in this field, she wanted to be a teacher. She earned a teaching certificate at Iowa Teacher’s College and returned home to teach at the Winnebago County country school in Grant Township #9. Lenora married Norman Holtorf on March 30, 1951 and were married for more than 70 years. After Norm’s discharge from the Army, they lived in rural Iowa, until moving to Minnesota with their children Pat and David in 1957. They lived in So. St. Paul for five years where they welcomed their third child, Pam. In 1962 they moved to a hobby farm outside of Hastings where Jenni and Kathy were born. They made the farm their home for nearly 60 years until moving to the Orchard Path Assisted Living residence in Apple Valley in January 2021. Lenora embraced life on the farm. She had a soft spot in her heart for the kitties that found their way to her door. She thoroughly enjoyed her flower gardens and generously shared the abundant produce from her vegetable garden. Her family and friends could count on taking “a few things” home with them after every visit. The church was very important to Lenora; she was active as a Sunday School teacher, involved in the youth choir and was a member of the Luther League - where she met the love of her life, Norman Holtorf. She maintained a strong connection with her Christian faith throughout her life. While in Hastings, Lenora was an active member of the St. Phillips Lutheran Church family. She lived out her faith and was a living example of the phrase: blessed to be a blessing. Her natural artistic talent made its way into many homes and remain as fond memories of her. She was a master cake decorator whose creations sweetened celebrations of milestone events for family and friends (birthdays, weddings, confirmations, baptisms, retirements, etc.). She will be remembered for the beautiful wooden items with her signature rosemaling and folk-art painting, as well as handcrafted Christmas ornaments and seasonal décor. Lenora had many interesting jobs, hobbies and volunteer positions throughout life. She was a substitute teacher in Minnesota and enjoyed working at Spiral Foods Co-op in Hastings. She was very generous with her time, working as an Election Judge for Marshan Township, clerking at the Dakota County Fair and being a 4-H leader. She enjoyed spending her winters in Arizona playing cards, picking citrus fruits and visiting her family and many friends. Her greatest joy was her family. She loved the lively chaos that accompanied family gatherings. She created lots of memory making activities, decorating gingerbread houses with grandkids and great grandchildren, family hayrides in the fall accompanied by pumpkin harvest for jack-o-lanterns and birthday and holiday gatherings. Her family was spoiled by her amazing birthday cakes with the “best in the world’ butter cream frosting, and her homemade strawberry jam and apple pies. Lenora kept up with the lives of her family members, supporting their activities and celebrating their accomplishments. She loved her family well – and unconditionally. Lenora was preceded in death by her parents, George and Lenora Schmidt; grandson, Benjamin Beran; and her siblings, Marcella (Sally) Biehn, George Schmidt, Jr., Harold Schmidt, Lester Schmidt and Roger Schmidt. She is survived by her husband, Norman Holtorf; children, Pat Branstad (Jim), St. James, MN, David Holtorf (Tammy), Cannon Falls, MN, Pam Bauers (Steve), Lakeville, MN, Jenni Beran (George), Apple Valley, MN, and Kathy Kocher (Rob), Savage, MN; grandchildren, John Branstad (Shannon), Anne Branstad (Dann Roberts), Jeff Branstad (Patria Lawton), Renee Cook (Jim), Michael Holtorf, Tony Amerman (Lou Clifton), Torie Amerman (Brock Perry), Abby Beran (Mike Johnston), Joey Beran (Sarah), Jack Beran, Danny Kocher (Kristy), Tommy Kocher and Andy Kocher; great grandchildren, Alaina Branstad, Kieran Branstad, Miles Branstad, Charlie Cook, Logan Cook and Greyson Cook; siblings, Glenn (Sharon) Schmidt, Lower Lake, CA; Emmagene Silber, Buffalo Center, IA and Jeremiah Schmidt, Britt, IA; along with many other friends and family, including several cousins, nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 11, 2022 at 2:00 PM at St. Philip’s Lutheran Church, 1401 15th St. W. in Hastings. A reception will follow the service at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel, 3075 Vermillion St. in Hastings. A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 10, 2022 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel and one hour prior to the service at St. Philip’s Lutheran Church on Friday. Private Interment will happen at Fort Snelling National Cemetery at a later date. Memorials preferred to American Cancer Society and St. Philip’s Lutheran Church, designated for the Peace Garden, in honor of Lenora Holtorf. Click here !