Lorna Oxenreider, 87 passed away on Wednesday, January 27, at Taylor House Hospice in Des Moines, IA. No services will be held at this time.  A graveside service will be planned at a date, not yet determined.

Lorna was born on January 7, 1934 in Hull Iowa to Lawrence and Nellie (Groendyke) Oelrich. She grew up on the family farm.  She graduated from Iowa State University with a Masters in Education. In October of 1957, Lorna was united in marriage to Jack Oxenreider.  Lorna began her teaching career in Spirit Lake and later moved to the West Des Moines school system where she was a Family and Consumer Science teacher at Stilwell Junior High for many years.  After retirement from the West Des Moines school district she went on to work at Iowa State University and Upper Iowa University to mentor and supervise student teachers, as well as continuing to teach. She retired from what she loved doing, teaching others, in 2019.

Lorna loved playing bridge with her many friends and was a member of several bridge groups.  She also enjoyed bowling and watching many different sporting events. She loved the many athletic events her grandchildren participated in high school and college and rarely missed a game.  She volunteered many years helping others with SHIIP. She loved traveling, especially to West Lake Okoboji and Florida with her family.

Lorna's greatest gift to her family was her unconditional love and support.  She was proceeded in her death by her beloved husband, Jack, after 47 years of marriage, parents, daughter, Jackie Bradley, and brothers, Charles and Paul Oelrich. Those left to cherish her memory include daughter, Phyllis (Henry) Bates, Jim Oxenreider, Mike Oxenreider; grandchildren, Jeff (Emily) Bates, Jessica Bates, Danielle Oxenreider; great grandchildren, Jase, Tyce, Hayden; sister in law Burdette Oelrich, Gladys Oelrich-Knodel and Betty Oxenreider.