Lori A. Talafous

Our dear friend, mother, daughter, sister, grandma, aunt and amazing wife, Lori A. Talafous, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on October 6, 2017, after a brave and courageous battle with breast cancer which was diagnosed at stage IV eight years ago. She was a loving wife, a nurturing mother and grandmother, an excellent cook, a natural comedian, a fighter. She did not give up. Lori energized a room the moment she walked in. She touched those around her and made a lasting impression wherever she went. Her infectious laugh will always stay with those who were lucky enough to hear it. Lori was the epitome of strength, grace and humor, even in the face of her long battle with cancer. To know her, was to love her. As her high school counselor once said, "The world could use a few more Loris." Lori will be deeply missed. We were blessed with every minute we had with her and will always cherish the memories. Preceded in death by her mother, Clellie Thompson; brother, Dan Rickert; father-in-law, Dale Talafous; and by her infant grandson Gavin Talafous. Survived by her loving husband, Dave Talafous; daughters, Ali (Dave) Ruhland and Bessy (Joe) Muller; grandkids, Maia, Henry, Lucy, Mamie and Marlow; sister, Heidi Rickert; brother, Mike (Anne) Rickert; and her mother-in-law, Virginia Talafous. Lori is also survived by Dave's siblings, Linda (John) Lightbourn, Kathy Talafous, JoAnne (Tom) Savage, Dean (Jax) Talafous, and Rob (Bonita) Talafous; and many adoring nieces and nephews, countless friends, colleagues and mentors from a successful Human Resources career which took her at times around the globe. A Celebration of Loris Life will be held6 p.m.Tuesday, October 10, 2017,at Caturia-Smidt Funeral Home Cremation Services of Hastings, with Gordon Gathright officiating. Visitation will be held at the funeral home for one hour prior to the serviceon Tuesdayevening. "There is no use trying", said Alice; "one can't believe impossible things." "I dare say you haven't had much practice," said the Queen. "When I was your age, I always did it for half an hour a day. Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast." -Lewis CarrollIn lieu of flowers, Lori's family requests memorials be directed to Open Arms of Minnesota in her memory.Arrangements are being completed by Caturia-Smidt Funeral Home Cremation Services of Hastings