Loretta Amsden

Loretta Mae Amsden, 87, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, died Monday, Feb. 11, 2019,
at St. John Lutheran Home in Springfield.

Funeral service following visitation was held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, at Zion Lutheran Church in Springfield with Pastor David Fretham and Chaplain Noel Wetter officiating. Interment was in the Springfield City Cemetery.

Loretta was dedicated in her support of Springfield, volunteering at St. John’s Home, St. John’s Auxiliary, and St. John’s Foundation Board. She was a devout member of Zion Lutheran Church, serving on several boards. Loretta volunteered at the food shelf, Meals on Wheels, was a longtime blood donor,
and was a member of the Legion Auxiliary. She was devoted to Springfield baseball, watching games and working countless hours in the concession stand where she was known for her famous potato salad. Loretta enjoyed playing cards with her family and friends, reading, watching the Minnesota Twins, and following the many activities of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  Family was what Loretta lived for. 

She was mother to Smokey (Mary) Amsden of Excelsior, Dennis (Marie) Amsden of Springfield, Bonnie (Paul) Nordlund of Rochester, Pam (Paul) Tauer of Springfield, and Brent (Stacie) Amsden of Springfield. She has 15 grandchildren who adored Grandma Loretta, along with 22 great-grandchildren. Loretta leaves behind two sisters, Violet Anderson of St. James and Eileen (Ray) King of Lawrence, Kansas; and three sisters-in-law, Bonnie Bottin of Madelia and Ilene Carlson and Arlene Carter of Springfield.

Loretta Mae Carlson was born Jan. 8, 1932, on the family farm in Adrian Township, Watonwan County, the daughter of Albert and Edna (Jensen) Carlson. She attended country school and graduated from Comfrey High School in 1950. On October 6, 1951, Loretta was united in marriage to Stanley Amsden. The couple farmed until 1957 when they moved to Springfield and operated Amsden Stockyards and later Amsden Surge. Loretta worked at Coast to Coast from 1972 to 2004 and for Marie Gervais Catering until 2018. Loretta was preceded in death by her parents; husband Stanley, in 2009; daughter-in-law Patti (Ryan) Amsden; brothers, Don and Arnold Carlson; and sister, Leona Tietz.

Arrangements are with the Sturm Funeral Home in Springfield. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.