Loretta Catherine (Ignaszewski) Goblirsch

Loretta Catherine Goblirsch (née Ignaszewski) was born on October 24, 1929, at home on her family’s farm in Wanger Township, Marshall County, Minnesota, the daughter of Andrew and Frances Ignaszewski. She grew up in a large Polish-American Catholic farm family alongside six siblings.

Life on the Ignaszewski farm required hard work from everyone. The family raised livestock, grew their own food, and preserved it for winter. Loretta attended a one-room country school through eighth grade, often traveling there in winter by horse-drawn sleigh. Despite the demands of farm life and seasonal work such as potato picking, she excelled academically.

Loretta went on to attend high school in Stephen, Minnesota, boarding with local families so she could continue her education. She graduated with honors in 1948 as the class salutatorian, becoming the only one of her siblings to complete high school—an achievement her father was especially proud of.

After graduation she attended North Star College in Warren, Minnesota, earning her teaching certificate. From 1949 to 1953 she taught in rural Marshall County one-room schoolhouses, including the very school she had attended as a child. Teaching required long hours and dedication, and Loretta often walked through the fields each morning to open the school and light the stove before her students arrived.

In 1953 Loretta moved to Minneapolis, where she worked in the growing frozen foods industry at American Fruit & Produce Company. She later returned to the workforce after raising her children and spent 18 years with Carlson Companies in the accounting department, retiring as a sales accounting manager in 1992.

Loretta met Aloysius “Al” Goblirsch at a dance at the Marigold Ballroom in Minneapolis. They married on May 10, 1958, beginning a partnership filled with shared work, travel, and family life.

Soon after their marriage they moved to a 40-acre hobby farm in Plymouth, Minnesota, where they would live for more than five decades. Together they raised three children—Terrence, Trudy, and Joseph. Loretta devoted herself to family life, managing the household, tending a large garden, and helping Al with farm work. During haying season she could often be found raking hay or driving the baler.

Loretta had a lifelong love of making things with her hands. She was an accomplished seamstress who sewed clothing for herself and her family, including special outfits for holidays, dances, and celebrations. She crocheted and knitted constantly, producing potholders, hats, and countless handmade gifts that her family treasures today—often labeled with a small tag that read, “Made with Love by Loretta.”

Through her daughter Trudy, Loretta developed a passion for horses and became involved in Paso Fino horse shows. She enjoyed competing, traveling to shows, and trail riding with family and friends.

Loretta and Al also shared a love of travel. With their children they camped throughout the United States, later spending winters in Florida or taking cruises together. One of Loretta’s favorite trips was their 50th anniversary cruise along the Alaskan coast, while health issues midway through their 60th anniversary cruise left her stranded in a Russian hospital for ten days. Over the years they visited all but three U.S. states.

After selling their Plymouth farm, Loretta and Al moved to Elk River, Minnesota. Following Al’s death, Loretta later moved to St. Therese of Corcoran.

Loretta was preceded in death by her husband, Al Goblirsch; parents; and her siblings, Edward, John, Helen, Angeline, Tony, and Norbert.

She is survived by her children, Terrence Goblirsch (Elisabeth Trach), Trudy Reierson, and Joseph Goblirsch (fiancée, Kim Meslow); eight grandchildren, Sondra Reierson (Matthew), Nick Goblirsch, Amie Goblirsch (significant other, Mike Mason), Hannah Goblirsch, Jade Knox (Caleb), Tyler Goblirsch (Adriana), Maddie Jo Goblirsch (Michelle), and Hallie Reierson; and great-grandsons, Theodore and Oliver.

Loretta lived a life shaped by resilience, faith, creativity, and devotion to family. From a one-room schoolhouse on the Minnesota prairie to travels across the country and around the world, she carried with her the values of hard work, kindness, and quiet determination. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

Services will be held at the Church of St. Andrew in Elk River, 566 4th St NW, Elk River, MN 55330 on FRIDAY, March 20, 2026 at 12:30 PM; preceded by visitation starting at 11:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations are welcomed to St. Andrew's Catholic School, St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, or MCCL. Burial following Mass at Saint Andrew Cemetery, 19300 Jackson Avenue NW, Elk River, MN 55330.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Dare’s Funeral Home of Elk River, MN. 763-441-1212. www.daresfuneralservice.com.

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