Obituary/Lorene Mary Porter (Kalishek), 91

Lorene Mary Porter (Kalishek) was born on August 21, 1934, in Iowa to Reuben and Emma Kalishek. One of five children, Lorene grew up surrounded by family, hard work, laughter, and values that stayed with her throughout her life. From an early age, she helped on the family farm, beginning her mornings milking cows by hand before school, learning responsibility, resilience, and the quiet strength that would come to define her.

As a young woman, Lorene loved basketball and proudly defended the court during her high school years. That love of sports never faded and became something she carried with her all her life. As a devoted sports fan, she loved cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Minnesota teams. She faithfully supported the Minnesota Vikings, never wavering in her hope for that elusive Super Bowl.

Lorene met the love of her life, Vernon Porter, in Rochester, Mn. They were married in 1959 and shared a life built on love, teamwork, and devotion to one another. Together, they created a home filled with warmth and unconditional love.

A devoted mother to her four children, Lorene’s greatest gift was making everyone feel at home. Her door was always open, her table always full, and her heart always ready to welcome anyone who came through it. Feeding people was one of the ways she showed love, whether it was cooking for family gatherings, sporting events, or everyday moments that became special simply because she was there.

Lorene was a woman of many talents and a tireless worker. In 1979, she and Vernon opened Vern’s Hartz Market, a grocery store, which they ran together for ten years. Lorene was the heart of the store, especially in the produce department. She truly did it all, wrapping meats, making pizzas, and keeping everything running smoothly. After retiring from the store, she worked as a nurse’s aid at the Karlstad Memorial Healthcare Center until she retired in 1998. She took pride in her work and poured herself into everything she did.

Her life was rich with simple joys. Lorene loved to read, bake, cook, and crochet blankets for her family. She gave her time generously, volunteering at Kittson County Historical Museum, working election polls, participating in the Ladies Legion Auxiliary, Eagles Auxiliary, and serving faithfully at St. Edward’s Catholic Church, where she made donuts and lefse to share with other parishioners.

Nothing brought Lorene more happiness than being with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She cherished moments with them and found joy in watching them grow. She enjoyed watching them in their activities whenever she could.

Lorene will be remembered for her strength, her generous heart, and the love she gave so freely to others. She had a way of making people feel seen, cared for, and welcomed. Her good-witted spirit could always put a smile on your face. Her legacy lives on in the family she loved so deeply, the countless lives she touched, and the memories that will be held close forever. As the last of the Kalishek family, Lorene is now home, reunited with her loved ones.

Lorene is survived by children, Timothy (Jane) Porter, Thomas (Laurie) Porter, Kathryn (Marvin) Setness, Karen (Aaron) Erickson; grandchildren, James Porter, Marina Evans, Lynn Martin, Michael Davis, Shannon Porter, Chantel Porter, Freddy Porter, Denee Ishak, Hayley Porter, Anthony Setness, Tyrell Setness, Alex Erickson, Brett Erickson; 10 great grandchildren and one on the way; numerous nephews and nieces.

Lorene is preceded in death by her spouse, Vernon Porter; her parents, Reuben and Emma Kalishek; and 1 brother and 4 sisters.