Lorren DeFloy Crawford

Lorren DeFloy Crawford was born to Ruth Bennington Sannes and Mandus Obert Sannes on December 19, 1941, in Park River, North Dakota. Lorren was joined by two sisters and one brother. Mandus and Ruth divorced. Ruth later married Russell Crawford and they had four children together. In 1952 the family of ten moved to Dilworth, Minnesota where Lorren attended high school. He was competitive in football, baseball, track, and hockey. It was during this time that Lorren met his future wife, Jeanne Marie Annalora. Lorren and Jeanne dated throughout high school.

After high school, Lorren attended North Dakota Agricultural College (now known as NDSU). He later transferred to Moorhead State Teachers College (now known as MSUM), where he graduated with degrees in Physical Education and English. 

In 1962, Lorren and Jeanne married in a double wedding ceremony with Jeanne’s twin sister, Joanne, and her husband, Rhinney Chadwick. Lorren and Jeanne started a family in 1963 when their son Ron was born, followed by son Dennis in 1964, and son Wayne in 1965.

Lorren taught in Holdingford, MN for three years before he was hired to teach 7th and 9th grade English in Detroit Lakes, MN. Lorren made many lifelong friends during his tenure in Detroit Lakes. He especially enjoyed teaching Shakespeare and writing, and he treasured the experiences he shared with his students.

Lorren and Jeanne moved to Paradise Point on Big Floyd Lake where they raised their sons and lived for over 50 years. Lorren and Jeanne cherished their children and watching them grow throughout their education, sports, and careers. They were involved in Hockey Boosters; Jeanne ran the concession stand and Lorren was an officer.

Lorren and Jeanne enjoyed going out dancing, camping, softball, and hosting sauna parties. Lorren looked forward to cooking wild game for parties which he and Jeanne held at their home for family and friends. Lorren was an avid outdoorsman. He cherished his time spent hunting and fishing with his boys. 

Lorren retired from teaching in 1999. After retirement, he enjoyed writing humorous poetry and essays, which he liked to share with family and friends. Lorren had a wonderful sense of humor and was known to many as a practical joker. 

Lorren was preceded in death by his wife Jeanne in 2021, his parents, and brother Daniel. He is survived by his son, Ronald and his children Patrick and Krystie (Zach; children Bryndel and Leroy), his son Dennis (Tammi), his son Wayne (Kathy) and their children Amy (Nick), Brady, and Katie (Connor), and his siblings, Rebecca, Katherine, James (Meg), Victoria (Steve), Richard (Diane), Roberta (Bob).

Lorren's family would like to thank you for all the love, prayers, and support!

In lieu of flowers or gifts, a donation can be made in Lorren's honor to the Roger Maris Cancer Center.  Roger Maris Cancer Center link:  https://fargo.sanfordhealthfoundation.org/give/403835#!/donation/checkout 

Any monetary gifts received will be given to the Detroit Lakes Dollars for Scholars in Lorren's honor.

The memorial service for Lorren Crawford will be held at David-Donehower Funeral Home, 609 US HWY 10 E., Detroit Lakes, MN 56501, on Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at 3 PM with Father Chuck Huck officiating. Memorial visitation with refreshments will be two hours prior. 

David-Donehower Funeral Home is serving the family. For more information, please visit DavidDonehower.com, or call (218) 847-4147.