Lauretta Marie Toenges

Lauretta Marie Toenges was born on July 1, 1921 in Albert Lea, the daughter of Herman and Hulda (Steele) Bauers.  She was baptized and confirmed at the Concordia Lutheran Church of Pickerel Lake. She grew up in Freeborn County and graduated from Alden High School in 1940.  Lauretta went to Austin Teacher’s College and spent a few years teaching country school.  On June 22, 1944 she was united in marriage to Manville Toenges at Concordia Pickerel Lake Lutheran Church.  Later in her life she worked as a substitute teacher. Lauretta was both a 4H member and leader. She was actively involved in the Freeborn County Fair for years, including serving as superintendent of Floral Hall for many years. She belonged to a home extension study group called the Kitchen Klatter Klub. Lauretta was an active member of her church, having served as Sunday School Teacher and Superintendent for several years. She enjoyed gardening, reading, the county and state fairs, playing cards with her grandchildren, and helping her husband with the farm chores. Lauretta valued the time she spent with her family and friends. She had a deep Christian faith which sustained her throughout her life. Blessed be her memory.
Survivors include her husband Manville of Alden, children Gordon and Kathleen Toenges of Alden, Myrna and Jim Scharpe of Arlington, MN, and Laurie Magnus of Byron; grandchildren Kari and Paul Wendt, Katie and Luke Nielsen, Kristine and Shane Christensen, Matthew and Gwen Scharpe, Daniel and Melissa Scharpe, Jennifer Scharpe, Rebecca and Chris Wenthold, Katelyn Scharpe, Peter Scharpe, Vanessa and Michael Aggen, and Aaron Magnus; great-grandchildren Kaylee, Paige, Andrew, and Adam Wendt, Alex and Lindsey Nielsen, Maddox, Elliot, and Oliver Christensen, Caleb and Jacob Scharpe, Emily and Stephanie Altenberg, Morgan and Dylan Scharpe, Atticus Wenthold, and Eliza Aggen.
Lauretta was preceded in death by her parents, her brother-in-law John and Inita Toenges, and sister-in-law Hildred and Cecil Tapp.