Loretta Marie Kazen

Loretta was born on a farm in Hosmer, South Dakota, to John and Helen Schoch. She said, “Apparently there was a Doctor present to sign on the birth certificate, because in those days people didn’t go to the hospital just to have a baby.”

Shortly after graduating from Aberdeen High School, in SD, she married her children's father, Jerry Glaser and the babies began to arrive. All the kids' first names started with the letter M. Loretta sent out birth announcements to reflect each of the babies' arrivals, announcing the latest MG models.

Soon there were 4 MG’s born in SD. Shortly after the 4th MG, they packed up the station wagon and headed for California, where the fifth MG was born. Looking for better opportunities, they packed up the 5 MG’s and hit the road for Snohomish, Washington in 1965.

In 1969 Loretta found herself as a single mother of five, without any family close by. She became very independent and resourceful, learning to fix most anything and willing to take on most home repair projects. Including working on their VW bus, Gretchen, which all five kids had to help push down the hill to be able to start! She raised those five children to be hard workers and also very independent. Loretta’s family motto was, “Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.”

She met and married the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Kazen; they married in '77. Their marriage gained Loretta another son, Robert Kazen, Jr. and a fun loving and lively extended family, that she would share many good times and memories with through the years. Next year, 2027, will be their 50th golden anniversary together!

Loretta went to school to become a bookkeeper and had several different jobs over the years, including working with her sister-in-law, Pat Moser, at the Volunteers of America. She retired from Stave & Gilbertson Accounting firm after a number of years. In 1991, she came out of retirement to start her own business with her daughter, Michelle, called M&L Bookkeeping, which they both retired from in 2000.

Soon the grandchildren began to arrive, and Bob and Loretta took on the beloved titles of Grandpa and Grandma Kazen. To date, they have 24 grandchildren and 36 great grandchildren. She lovingly mailed cards to each one, for birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions, etc.

After retiring, they became snowbirds in California with a thriving community and sunshine in the winter. Then back up north for lawn mowing, gardening, and family in the summer. They always enjoyed it when the family visited.

Loretta and Bob loved to travel together aside from their trips from California to Washington. They drove all over the country together, as far east as Wisconsin and south into Mexico.

Loretta was a prayer warrior, fellowshipping and singing the old hymns, alongside her family, at a church in Arlington. Often followed by Sunday brunch together. She enjoyed getting together with family and friends. Reading, playing pinochle and special meals she shared on a regular basis with family.

She enjoyed travels and good times with the Red Hat Ladies. Frequenting Las Vegas and Oregon for various functions with the Red Hat society. Full of fun, friendships, and shenanigans! And lots of smaller getaways with her own Motley Crew; Kathy A, Chris, Garnet, and Cilla.

Loretta decided on her terms that she was ready to join the Lord and Bob. After making her decision, on her way home, she stopped to pick up a pack of Newport’s and a box of her favorite Franzia red wine.

Word quickly got out that Loretta was ready for her next adventure. In those final days plenty of family and friends traveled from near and far to visit her one last time. She spent precious time with all five of her MG’s and their other halves.

Her loving connection to her family drew relatives from across the country-including grandchildren from far flung places like Wisconsin and New Jersey, as well as numerous family members from the surrounding region. The family was very thankful that her daughter, Michelle, was there with her and for her, every moment. To comfort her, pray with her and do her best to honor her every wish.

Loretta passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family and precious pup, Teddy, while holding a picture of Bob, close to her heart. Just 3 days after the anniversary of the passing of Bob, who passed away on May 14, 2003.

Loretta is lovingly remembered by her children: Robert (Sue), Michelle (Todd), Mike (Ariel), Mark (Margie), Marty (Faith), Marcia (Brandon) and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and her sister Mary Reis.

Those that preceded Loretta were there for her joyous reunion; husband Bob Kazen, parents John and Helen Schoch, sister Judy Collins, daughter-in-law Sandy Kazen, grandsons, Joshua Glaser, Justin Glaser, and Chris Kazen.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude and thanks to all those who came to visit, call, bring food, flowers, prayers and show their love and support.

A celebration of Loretta’s life to be announced at a later date.