Laraine Betty Troe

Laraine Betty Troe (Schnarr), age 83, of Albert Lea, MN passed peacefully at The Woodlands - St. John’s Lutheran Community on Sunday, June 23, 2024.

Betty Lorraine Schnarr was born October 28, 1940, in Albert Lea, MN, the daughter of Paul R. Schnarr and Betty A. Tusen. Laraine was the eldest of three sisters (Shirlee and Cheryl).

Laraine grew up in Albert Lea and graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1958. After graduation, she worked as a salesperson where she met and fell in love with Edd. Laraine was united in marriage to Gerald Edward Troe on October 6, 1959, in Northwood, Iowa. Laraine and Edd were members of the First Lutheran Church. Laraine went to a secretarial school and then worked as a secretary for Freeborn County for many years. She worked for the employment office and mental health center. She attended Austin Community College for a couple of years to learn about creative writing and the arts. Laraine and Edd enjoyed gardening, reading (fiction and nonfiction-airplanes and air disasters), feeding and watching birds, and enjoying their cats. Laraine was a very good artist and writer. Laraine had a pretty good sense of humor. She loved her coffee, cigarettes, DoubleMint gum, video games (Zelda), watching the weather and history channels, and telling stories. Laraine had a love for art (enjoyed drawing 1950s clothing and painting with watercolors). Laraine never needed or wanted anything fancy. Laraine enjoyed the peacefulness of her home. Laraine was very thankful to all who helped her.

A graveside gathering of family and friends for Laraine Betty Troe will be from 1 to 2 pm Sunday, June 30 at Hillcrest Cemetery. Online condolences are welcome at www.bayviewfuneral.com.

Survivors include sister, Cheryl Schnarr; sons Jay Troe, Jon (Denise) Troe, and Chad Troe; daughter-in-law, Penny Troe; three grandchildren, Jon, Naomi, and Paul; sister-in-law, Carol Olson; nephew, Greg Olson; and cousin, Jerry Witter.

Laraine was preceded in death by her grandparents; parents; husband, Gerald Troe; sister, Shirlee Schnarr; son, Jeffrey Troe; brothers-in-law, Melvin (Judy) Troe, and Roger Olson; nieces, Kim Goddard and Mary Anne Bridgewater.