Margo Carey, 69

Margo Marietta (Holbrook) Carey, 69, a loving wife, mother and “grammy” passed away peacefully with family at her side on August 11, 2014 in Anchorage, Alaska after a long illness. Margo was born to Harlow and Mildred Holbrook in Tracy, Minnesota on August 3, 1945. She was one of nine children and was considered the “silly sister” who brought humor to every occasion. She graduated from high school in 1963 and attended Mankato State University.

On May 7, 1966 she married the love of her life Vincent David Carey and the next day began their journey to Alaska. She worked at JC Penney in Anchorage for one year and then they moved to Fairbanks where she had their first child. After four years in Fairbanks Margo and Dave moved back to Anchorage and had three more children with the last two being twins. In 1973 they returned to Tracy and opened up a women’s clothing store. After nine years in Minnesota they headed back to the Last Frontier. Margo worked for the Anchorage School District for 21 years at West and Chugiak High Schools, spending most of her time in office administration. She was always considered a hard worker who seldom missed work. She found working with students enjoyable, challenging and exciting. When she thought a student needed a hug she would smile and gave them a hug of love.

Margo took pride in her talents and it showed through the creative knick-knacks she made, and clothing items she sewed. Repeatedly she amazed people with delicious food dishes. Often  you could catch her in the kitchen baking with her grandchildren with a huge smile on her face. She also enjoyed reading, singing, biking, bocce, gardening, going to sporting and musical events, and hiking the foothills in Arizona.

Margo was a devoted Christian in the Roman Catholic Church who served as a Eucharistic Minister and Lecturer at St. Mary’s and St. Patrick’s Parishes. For many years she was a member of the Tracy Chamber of Commerce and helped organize the Miss Tracy Pageant. She became a mentor for many newly diagnosed diabetic children and their parents as she was raising two young sons who were also diabetic.

Margo’s legacy was to love everyone and to live life to the fullest. She was an unselfish person who never wanted to be in the limelight. She was kind and friendly to all, and encouraged her children and grandchildren to value life with a purpose. Loving and caring describes her best.  Margo was a brave and courageous fighter even when the odds were against her. We will miss her greatly.

Margo was preceded in death by her mother Mildred (Sanderson) Holbrook; father Harlow Holbrook and sister Joyce Wurscher.

She is survived by her husband V. David Carey; children Jay Carey (Maver) , Sarah Carey-Williams (Travis), Darin Carey (Marty Hrachovy), Damon Carey (Melissa); grandchildren, Kasila, Aiden, Dac, Caelin, Brystal and Declan.  Margo’s eight siblings are Vernon Holbrook (Janice), Jack Holbrook (Candy), Marilys Vahlsing (Vern), Joyce Wurscher (Ray), Nancy Bottelberghe (Louis), Marylee Zimmerman (Jim), Judy Suprenant (Jerry),  and Becky Hight (Greg).

Margo’s life was celebrated at St. Patrick’s Church, 2111 Muldoon Road, on Friday, August 15, 2014 with a Rosary and Reflection and Funeral Service. Reception was held at the church hall.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association or the American Lung Association.  A memorial service is being planned for September in Tracy. 

Lorraine Wakefield, 83

Lorraine Wakefield, age 83 of Tracy, MN passed away on Monday, August 11, 2014 at the Sanford Orthopedic Center in Sioux Falls, SD.  Services were held at 10:00 am on Friday, August 15, 2014 at the Almlie – Horvath Funeral Home in Tracy.  Online condolences may be placed at www.almliefh.com.  The Almlie – Horvath Funeral Service of Tracy is caring for the family.

Lorraine (Willard) Wakefield was born to Sylvester and Elmira (Honl) Willard on August 19, 1930 in North Redwood, Minnesota.  She attended various schools through the 7th grade.  Lorraine was united in marriage to Richard Wakefield on April 2, 1948.  They lived and farmed in the Amiret area until they retired and moved into Tracy in February of 2010.  They raised seven children.  Lorraine was a homemaker and helped on the farm.  She enjoyed gardening, sewing, puzzles, and feeding the birds.  She loved spending time with her family, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

On Monday, August 11, 2014, Lorraine passed away at the Sanford Orthopedic Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota surrounded by her family at the age of 83 years old.

She is survived by her husband, Richard Wakefield of Tracy; children, Laurence (Margaret) Wakefield of Vero Beach, FL, Linda (Galen) Boerboom of Minneota, Leslie (Linda) Wakefield of Amiret, Cheryl (Dick) Nuese of Cottonwood, Dianne (George) Raymond of Tracy, Rick (Lori) Wakefield of Walnut Grove, and Nancy (Tim) Swanson of Lynd; 24 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren; three brothers, Donald Willard of Aurora, CO, and Herald Willard of Casa Grande, AZ, two brothers-in-law, Paul Heiling of Clara City, and Harold Halfmann of Tracy, one sister-in-law, Alona Cahow of Minneota, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her parents, step-father, Roy Jaeger, one brother, Raymond Willard, two sisters, Gerry Heiling, and Shirley Halfmann, three sisters-in-law, Maxine Willard, Bettey Cahow, and Donna Willard, and one brother-in-law, Don Cahow. 

Blessed be her memory.