Lori Gelen, 64, of Bemidji, MN went to her heavenly home on September 1, 2024 with close friends and relatives by her side.
Memorial services will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 26, 2024 at First Lutheran Church, Bemidji. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Inurnment will be 3:14 p.m., Saturday, October 26, 2024 at Oakdale Cemetery, Crookston.
She was born on March 27, 1960 in Minneapolis. At six months of age Lori was adopted by her parents, Louis and Vera Gelen, and lived with them in Crookston. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at Trinity Lutheran Church in Crookston. Lori attended school and college in Crookston, University of North Dakota and graduate school in Minot, ND. She worked as a court reporter in Grand Forks before going back to school to become a speech-language pathologist. Lori then worked as a speech-language pathologist at schools in Blackduck and Bemidji, until her retirement in 2020. Upon retiring she purchased a condominium in Surprise, AZ to fulfill her retirement dream of spending winters in AZ just like her parents had done for many years. Although she wasn’t able to be in AZ for too many years, Lori had a talent for making friends easily and she developed close relationships with many people. She loved AZ, especially the mountains and desert terrain, but what she called her “happy place” were the swimming pools. Lori would go swimming every day to socialize and listen to piped in 70’s music playing.
Lori loved music, all kinds of music but especially 70’s and classic rock. You could find her belting out a line from a song any time of day. She also enjoyed playing the piano, especially her baby grand named “Sophia.” Lori found joy playing and shared that joy by playing the piano frequently in her church. It can’t go without saying that another love of Lori’s was her fondness of animals. Although she had cats most of her life, she loved all animals. Lori had a lot of friends and she enjoyed getting together with them. She will be remembered by her beautiful smile and infectious laugh.
While living in Bemidji, Lori was a member of First Lutheran Church and was involved in various activities including being a member of the handbell choir, playing the piano, reading scripture, helping with the lutefisk dinner and annual garage sale. She made many friends at First Lutheran and considered them her church family.
Lori is survived by her brother David and his wife, Lucy, and their son, Jonathan of Chandler, AZ. She also leaves behind her beloved goofy cat, Jack, who had provided her with countless hours of entertainment. In addition to Jack, she is also survived by wonderful cousins whom she loved dearly and numerous friends that were like family. Sadly, Lori’s parents, with whom she had a special relationship, preceded her in death.
Lori will be greatly missed but loved forever. God bless her memory.
