OSAGE — Lorraine Agnes Klaes, 89, of Osage, passed away Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Osage, surrounded by her loving family.
Lorraine Agnes Schultheis was born February 18, 1937, at home in rural Osage to Harold and Erna Schultheis. She attended country school, graduated from Osage High School in 1955 and later continued her education at Mount Mercy College in Cedar Rapids, completing her degree in 1957.
After college, Lorraine worked at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. She married Raymond Leo Klaes on December 28, 1957, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, beginning a life together centered on faith, farming and family.
Lorraine and Ray raised 10 children on their farm. Her life reflected the work, patience and devotion that came with a large family and a farming household. She was known for her baking, cooking and deep pride in seeing farming continue through future generations.
Service was also a major part of Lorraine’s life. She volunteered for more than three decades, giving time to schools, the hospital, 4-H, the Riceville Library, Mitchell County Museum and Mitchell Memories. She also served through church life, including the New Haven Church Board, Altar Society, church history work and the New Haven Booster Club.
When St. Mary’s School in New Haven closed, Lorraine continued helping young people through religious education, teaching second grade CCD and helping prepare children for First Communion.
Her passing marks the loss of a woman whose life touched family, church, agriculture and community across Mitchell County and North Iowa. Loved ones will remember her steady faith, hard work, service to others and devotion to generations of family.
A rosary will be held at 4:15 PM Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church.
Visitation will follow from 4:30 to 7:30 PM Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church.
A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM Thursday, July 2, 2026, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church.
Hoff Celebrations is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
If you would like an obituary, remembrance or tribute story published in NIT, please email the details to NORTHIOWATODAY@GMAIL.COM. This is a free service.