Loretta P Mclaughlin

Loretta P. McLaughlin, age 95 of Lankin, ND passed away on Thursday, October 15, 2015 at the Good Samaritan Center of Park River. Loretta P. Kratochvil was born May 14, 1920 on the farm near Lankin to Emil and Nellie (Bosh) Kratochvil. She attended schools in Lankin, graduating from Lankin High School in 1938. While in High School she played on one of the first girls' basketball teams. Following her education she married Harold McLaughlin on September 26, 1939 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church of Lankin. The couple lived near Lankin for a short time before moving to the McLaughlin Homestead where they raised their four children. Loretta was very involved on the farm and was a great truck driver. She had large vegetable and flower gardens on the farm as well. The couple retired from farming in 1982 and moved into their new home in Lankin. Harold passed away on Feb. 20, 2004. Loretta continued to live in Lankin until August of 2015 when she moved to the Good Samaritan Center of Park River. She was a member of the St. Joseph's Catholic Church and Altar Society, where she held all the offices. She was in charge of the usher list for the church for 50 years. She was a life member of the Lankin American Legion Auxiliary and held the office of Secretary until 1 year ago. She served as Secretary of the Lankin Senior Citizens and was a past member of the Cleveland Homemakers. Loretta enjoyed needlework and quilting. She made baby blankets for many in the county. The couple enjoyed dancing and playing cards. They never missed a dance on Saturday night. Loretta collected North Dakota license plates and dance posters for all the Lankin Orchestra's. She was an avid MN Twins fan. She is survived by her children: Gary (Janice) McLaughlin, twins: Marlen (Diane) McLaughlin and Marilyn (Francis) Praska and Lee (Judy) McLaughlin all of Lankin, ten grandchildren: Trisha (Rick) Sather, Chad (Karla) McLaughlin, Karla (Wade) Schock, Tracy (Roger) Price, Sharlyn Praska, Darin (Angie) Praska, Jay (Tara) Praska, Nicole (Joe) Zikmund, Jeremy (Molly) McLaughlin, H. Riley (Julie) McLaughlin, 25 great grandchildren and siblings: Georgia Matejcek, Devils Lake, ND; Harriet Omlie, Grand Forks, ND; Patricia (Tom) Hills, Moorhead, MN; sister-in-law, Irene (Joe) Eseplien, Park River, ND. Loretta was preceded in death by her parents, husband Harold and infant sister Marion. Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, October 20, 2015 at 10:30 A.M. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church of Lankin. Visitation will be Monday from 5-7 PM with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at the Church in Lankin. Friends may also call at the church on Tuesday for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery.