Lorraine Bernice Mercil, 95, of Brooks, MN, died peacefully, surrounded by her family, at her residence.

Private family service will be held. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery, Thief River Falls, MN.

On July 1, 1928, Lorraine was born to Berlin and Ruth (Jacobson) Hoium in Thief River Falls, MN. She attended school in Thief River Falls, graduating from Lincoln High School in 1942. She continued her education at Business School in Minneapolis, MN, graduating with a business degree. Lorraine returned to and began working at a Social Security Office and then with Gordan Smith Accounting. While working at the Social Security Office, Lorraine met Lloyd Mercil. They were married on October 28, 1948, in Thief River Falls. They lived on a farm south of Brooks, MN. Lorraine worked at Gordan Smith Accounting during the Tax season. They raised five children: Lorna, Lynae, Lynette, Loring, and Lori. Lorraine lived on the farm until she was 95 years old.

Lorraine enjoyed gardening, growing flowers, snowmobiling with Lloyd, camping, and crocheting. She was an avid reader and enjoyed riding on four-wheelers with family. She took great pride in the yard—mowing her lawn and caring for her flowers. Lorraine was a determined person who cared for herself and trained her children to do the same. Gathering with the family, especially at Christmas time, was the high point of her life.

Lorraine is survived by her children: Lynae (Sidney) Finseth, Trail, MN, Loring (Tracy) Mercil, Salem, OR and Lori (Todd) Sorenson, Fisher, MN; sons-in-law, Mike Wick, Oklee, MN, and Gary Grove, Dilworth, MN; special niece and nephew, Judie Fallon and Joe (Nola) Mercil; grandchildren:  Danielle (Bill) Paradis, Oklee, MN, Charity (Jason) Wicks DePinto, New Jersey, Brendan (Talia) Ellison, Gladstone, OR, Tristan (Alison) Mothershead, Gladstone, OR, Travis (Janelle) Finseth, West Fargo, ND, Jarrod (Shelley) Finseth, Sabin, MN, Adam (Chelsey) Grove, Washington, IL, Aric Grove, Ray, ND; 19 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren; and 1 cousin: Joyce Bronson, Blaine, MN.

Lorraine is preceded in death by her parents, children, Lorna Wicks, Lynette Grove, and stillbirth daughter; and adopted daughter, Gabrielle Mercil.