February 19, 1932 – February 27, 2026
Lorraine Beverly (Stalker) French, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, February 27, 2026 while being lovingly cared for by her children during her 94th birthday celebration week. Up until the very end Lorraine maintained her kindness, grace, compassion, love of her family, friends and expressed gratitude for her long and full life.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 6, 2026 at the Clear Lake United Methodist Church, 508 2nd Ave. North, Clear Lake, Iowa, with Reverend Luke Evan officiating. Burial will take place at Clear Lake Cemetery, Clear Lake, IA immediately following the service.
Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.
The family is eager to reminisce with each of you on the impact that Lorraine had on your life – she was a dear friend to many.
Lorraine was born February 19, 1932, in Rudd, Iowa, and resided there with her loving parents, Paul C. Stalker and Florence (Birkholz) Stalker until her graduation in 1950 from Rudd High School. She was baptized, confirmed and had many fond memories of the Rudd Methodist Episcopal Church. She was the youngest child of six – three sisters, Lenore, Lois and Luella, and two brothers, William and Carlyle. She was surrounded by many cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents throughout her life. She cherished family and always knew that she wanted a beautiful family of her own.
Lorraine was the Rudd Band Queen, she loved to sing and play the clarinet. She also participated in school plays and was a cheerleader.
After graduation, she moved to Mason City where she worked for St. Joseph’s Mercy Hospital and the NW Bell Telephone Company. She was introduced to LeRoy French by a friend and within a year they married on February 19, 1952 – her 20th birthday – at the Rudd Methodist Church. They then began an adventure in Clear Lake that included five children: Terry, Nancy, Kathy, Vicky and Wendy. While raising their children she was a very supportive stay at home mom. When the kids were grown she worked at Castle Cap and Gown, Cerro Gordo County Engineer’s Office, Wausau Homes and retired from the Clear Lake High School as the secretary to counselors from 1976-1992. She and LeRoy owned and operated Clear Lake Monument Co. for many years. Eventually they would leave the farm and move to town where they built a beautiful home together in Clear Lake – many family memories were made in this home and the door was always open for love and friendship. She and LeRoy were blessed with 56 years together full of wonderful loving memories.
Lorraine loved volunteering. Whether it was at the Clear Lake United Methodist Church – singing in the choir, bell choir, serving meals, United Methodist Women, Circle, Altar Guild, serving communion and whatever else might need to be accomplished. She also enjoyed the neighborhood club, Do Your Bit, Girlscouts, 4H, Church Youth Group and serving for Auction Meals. She looked forward to playing cards with her close friends, her group bible studies, N Joy Women and Golden Girls – these activities were treasures to her especially after the loss of LeRoy in 2008.
She delighted in her role as a grandmother and glowed about her role of “Grandma ‘Raine” to her great grandchildren – she made it a point to be as engaged as possible and made an impact on them that will last a lifetime.
Lorraine is survived by her son, Terry (Kari) French, of Austin, TX; four daughters, Nancy (Harvey) Kunzman of Clear Lake, Kathy Olson of Eagle, Colorado, Vicky Holstad of Westcliffe, Colorado, and Wendy (Daniel) Wood of Garner; her grandchildren, Josh (Heather) Olson, Mike (Lisa) French, Tyler (Stephanie) French, Carissa (Chadwell) Miller, Aaron Holstad, Joslyn (Wade) Kent, Julie (Eric) Kennedy, Austin (Jessica) Wood, Garrett Kunzman and Madison French; step-grandchildren; great-grandchildren with one on the way, Everly Olson, Colton and Dawson French, Jaxon French, Robert Miller, Navy, Steele Raine and Baby Kent, and Bauer and Charlie Wood; step-great grandchildren; along with several nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, LeRoy French; her parents, Paul and Florence Stalker; her sisters, Lenore Mess, Lois Otto and Luella Linevych; her brothers, William Stalker and Carlyle Stalker; son-in-law, David Olson; grandson, David J. Olson; as well as countless family and friends that brought her great joy.
It is with utmost gratitude that we thank St. Croix Hospice for their care. With their assistance we were able to spend the last week together with Mom at home – we will cherish our memories forever.
Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 First Ave North Clear Lake, Iowa 50428. 641-357-2193
colonialchapels.com