Loren Woolson

Loren Velzie Woolson, 94, a resident of Fergus Falls, MN, passed away quietly in the early morning hours on Saturday, June 15, 2024 at LB Broen Home under the care of Knute Nelson Hospice.

Loren was born on November 30, 1929, in Taylors Falls, MN to parents Velzie and Luella (Puffer) Woolson.

He grew up in St. Croix Falls, WI, graduating from St. Croix Falls High School in 1947.

He went on to attend Augsburg College graduating in 1951 with a B.A.in Combined Sciences. He began his teaching career in Breckenridge, MN where he met his future wife, Rita (Monson) Woolson.

On August 16, 1953, Loren and Rita were married at Grace Methodist Church in Fergus Falls, MN. To this marriage, three children were born. They made their home in Breckenridge, MN, until 1955 when Loren was offered a teaching contract in Fergus Falls. Loren received his Master's degree in 1960 at the University of North Dakota and continued to teach school in Fergus Falls until his retirement in 1990. In 1977, Loren was a proud recipient of Fergus Falls Teacher of the Year and a Minnesota Honor Roll Teacher. His love for natural sciences and the outdoors led him to create a curriculum for an ornithology class. He shared his knowledge of birds driving a school bus for field trips, binoculars around his neck and eyeglasses drooped around one ear!

Loren was an active volunteer in the Fergus Falls community, serving in various capacities with many organizations. His core belief was service work. He did this with Habitat for Humanity, United Way, Prairie Wetlands Learning Center and others. His greatest passion was the service work for the United Methodist Church. He and Rita became Short Term Volunteers in Mission (STVIM) for the UMC. Loren took 13 STVIM trips to the Caribbean where work crews painted, repaired homes, broke bread and were witnesses of the love of Jesus Christ. This work continued with Rita as long-term volunteers at UMCOR's Sager Brown in Baldwin, Louisiana for 17 years.

Loren was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Loren enjoyed nature and being outdoors; family camping trips covering the US, "birding" with Rita, playing tennis well into his 80's and fishing on Lake Lida. The Monson Lodge at Lake Lida was a special destination for him and Rita. Many, many summer days were spent there with family and friends. Loren had a special bond with "Monday Morning Bible Study" guys. He also became an integral part of life at Mill Street Residence where he resided for the past 4 years. He leaves behind many friends and dearly loved staff members.

Loren was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Rita; brother, Floyd Woolson; and son-in-law, David Johnson.

He is survived by his children, Linda Woolson Johnson, Pamela Woolson and Craig Woolson; grandchildren, Caitlin Johnson, Gretchen (Andy) Ehlert, Sarah Johnson, Tobias Woolson, Beatrice Woolson and Samantha Woolson; great-grandchildren, Beatrice Johnson and Owen Holtan; sister, Mary Lou Rue; brother, Dan Woolson; sister-in-law, Mona (Edwin L) Bittenbender as well as many loving nieces and nephews.

Memorials preferred to UMCOR's Sager Brown in Baldwin, Louisiana.

Funeral Service: 11:30 a.m., Friday, June 21, 2024 at Grace United Methodist in Fergus Falls with visitation one-hour prior to the service at the church.

Clergy: Reverend Lee Kantonen

Interment:  Oak Grove Cemetery in Fergus Falls

Arrangements provided Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com