Lorraine Valoris (Bjorklund) Donatelle

Lorraine Valoris (Bjorklund) Donatelle, 97, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2021, at Cumberland Care and Rehab. She has joined the love of her life Sam. She was born on July 14, 1923 to Albin and Ellen (Johnson) Bjorklund in Shell Lake, was raised and attended school in Shell Lake, graduating in 1941. She attended Minneapolis Business School and worked for Armco Steel for 5 years. After WWII, Lorraine was married at St. Anthony Catholic Church to Sam Donatelle on February 14, 1946. They celebrated 64 years together and raised five children. Together they enjoyed dancing, travel, golfing, and bridge. She was an accomplished cook, seamstress, knitter, and gardener. Strong in faith, Lorraine was a longtime member of St. Anthony Church serving as a Eucharistic Minister and member of the Council of Catholic Women. Lorraine's quick laughter, great meals, and her wholehearted love for her family were distinctive traits. She is remembered as a hard-working, humble woman with an eager willingness to help those in need. She was a significant partner and successful businesswoman for 59 years at Donatelle’s IGA, Cumberland, retiring at age 82. Donatelle’s was a family owned business from 1888 to 2005. Donatelle’s IGA was the oldest consecutively owned family grocery store in the IGA group and in Wisconsin as of 1994. She was part of a four-generation family operation which brought the American Dream to reality. The Donatelle’s took pride in providing quality service with a personal touch. They provided credit and groceries to those in need. They provided support and donations for families and organizations in the community. They established the Sam & Lorraine Donatelle Family scholarship for students to continue their education. As an active member of the Cumberland community, Lorraine was a Girl Scout Leader, and a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Women's Club, and The Ladies' Golf League. Lorraine and Sam Donatelle were Grand Marshals of the Rutabaga Parade in 1988 (100th Anniversary of the store). Lorraine was preceded in death by her parents, husband: Sam on August 10, 2010, sisters: Norma Sletterdahl, Gloria Tomasiak, and Elmer (Duke) Hawkinson. She is survived by her children Paula Ahasay, Jim (Virginia) Donatelle, Robert Donatelle, Sam (Julie) Donatelle, and Mary (Tim) DeFoe. She is also survived by her grandchildren Michaela Ahasay, Meagan Ahasay, Heather (Rick) Utiger, Tony (Marie) Donatelle, Jenna (Gabe) Allen, Rachael (Jason) Stuntz, Erica Donatelle, Andrea (Ben) Jerry and Tim DeFoe and her sister Shirley (Doug) Gallop. She also had 11 great grandchildren. Our family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Cumberland Care and Rehab and St. Croix Hospice care. Due to Covid we are not holding a public service and we ask that you hold Lorraine in your memory and prayers. A private family Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, April 16, at St. Anthony’s Parish Hall, Cumberland, with Fr. Tom Thompson officiating. Pallbearers are Michaela Ahasay, Tony Donatelle, Chris DeFoe, Rick Utiger, Gabe Allen, and Ben Jerry. Masks and social distancing are required. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and will be directed by family to charities of their choice.