Lorraine Katherine Metcalf

Lorraine Katherine (Speckmeier) Metcalf, 95, of Sarasota Florida passed away on April 29, 2020. Lorraine was born August 13, 1924 in the Des Moines River Township in Murray County, Minnesota. She was the fourth of ten children born to August and Bertha Louise (Wenzel) Speckmeier. Lorraine was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at the American Lutheran Church in Westbrook, Minnesota.

Lorraine was united in marriage on July 25, 1942 to Melvin Lewis Metcalf, he was the oldest son of John and Hattie (Flatebo) Metcalf. Lorraine and Melvin had 5 children: Merlynd (Metz), Jerry, Robert, Danny, and Kathy.

Lorraine and Melvin spent their first 25 years of marriage farming near Dovray, Minnesota. After taking a trip to Florida during a Minnesota winter, they promptly sold the farm and moved with their 4 youngest children to Cape Coral, Florida. Lorraine worked as a waitress and proudly earned her real estate license while in Cape Coral. The family relocated to Sarasota, Florida in 1972 to be closer to Lorraine's brother, James. At the age of 50, Lorraine decided to go back to night school to earn her GED. In 1973, Lorraine started working as a cashier for Publix Super Markets until she retired.

Lorraine was adventurous and traveled throughout the United States by car and motorhome; enjoyed several several cruises to the Caribbean; 3 trips to Hawaii; gambling trips to Las Vegas & Bilouxi; and a destination wedding in Tulum, Mexico. She was creative and made beautiful afghans which she proudly gave to her friends and family for many special occasions. Lorraine loved the beach and especially picking up seashells. She turned these treasures into works of art and was happy to share them with others. Lorraine also had a "green thumb" and she loved working with her plants, fruit trees and flowers. Lorraine enjoyed many types of games - cards, dice, puzzles - and loved the social interaction that came with these past times but watch out - she was also a fierce competitor. Most of all, Lorraine loved her family and friends. She was the best example of work ethic; loyalty; love and support; and determination. Lorraine was a self-proclaimed "tough old bird" and she was feisty until the very end.

Lorraine was preceded in death by her parents, 4 sisters, 5 brothers, her son Robert, her husband Melvin and her daughter-in-law, Mary (Mazie). She is survived by her children Merlynd (Pam) of Des Moines, Iowa; Jerry (Vicki) of Deland, Florida; Danny of Sarasota, Florida; Kathy Bentley (Greg) of Sarasota, Florida. 5 grandchildren Michael Metcalf (Sarah) of Berlin, Germany; Jon Eric Metcalf (Holly) of Naples, Florida; Lyndsey Aiello (Adam) of Port Orange, Florida; Nickolas Garner (US Army/Poland) and Matthew Garner of Sarasota. 5 great-grandchildren Ashlyn Metcalf, Kolby Dolph, Lorraine Metcalf, Robert Metcalf and Addison Aiello.

Service will be Live Streamed on Saturday May 2, 2020 at 10AM URL is https://www.facebook.com/RobertToaleAndSons/