Lorna M. Wermedal, age 93 of Mankato, MN (formerly of Wells, MN), died Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at New Perspective Assisted Living in Mankato, MN. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at 2:00 PM at Nasinec Funeral Home in Wells, MN. (789 Business Park Drive, Wells, MN 56097). Visitation will be held from 1:00- 2:00 PM at the funeral home prior to the service. Burial will be in Rosehill Cemetery. Pastor Tim Reed will officiate the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Lorna’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association, Turning Point Ministries or to a charity of your choice.
Lorna was born on May 19, 1933 on a farm between Matawan and Freeborn, Minnesota, to Lester Harry Culbertson and Gladys Estella (Tellett) Culbertson. Her family later moved to Wells where she graduated from high school in 1951. Following graduation, she worked as a telephone switchboard operator until her marriage to Donald L. Wermedal on September 9, 1955 in the Wells Assembly of God Church. The couple first began dairy farming in the Kiester area, later in Clarks Grove, and finally between Hayward and Oakland where they raised their family and were dairy farmers for many decades.
Lorna was a remarkable person with many interests and talents; music, birds, antiques, Danny O’Donnell, the Twins — none of these interests were as strong or as sustained as her interest in loving her family, as the generations emerged. Always musical, she taught piano lessons to generations of young piano students at the farm and at Kopet’s Music in Austin and Albert Lea. Always active in her faith she was especially involved with the Junior Church program at Calvary Baptist Church in Albert Lea where her family attended for many years. Always curious she read voraciously, and constantly encouraged learning for others. In retirement she was a sought-after volunteer for museum tours and helped host Living History Camps for several years at the Freeborn County Historical Museum. Always a playful spirit and up for a game — her grandkids and great grandkids were introduced to just how fun (and competitive) a game of Rack-O or Word Yahtzee can be when grandma was involved.
She was preceded in death by her parents, father and mother-in-law Hilmer and Annettie (Brudvig) Wermedal, and her husband, Don; sister, Dorothy Scrabeck her husband Paul; brother Roger Culbertson and his wife Geraldine (VanVorce).
Mom is survived by her children and their families Brad and Karen Wermedal of Mankato, Minnesota; Daryl and Maureen Wermedal of West Salem, Wisconsin; Doug and Donna Wermedal of Volga, South Dakota and Donette and Carl Lair of Motley, Minnesota.
Grandma is survived by 12 grand-children: Amy Legred (Justin), Travis Wermedal (Molly), Ashley Engebretson (Christian), Eric Wermedal, David Wermedal, Anne Williams (Alex), Dani Wermedal, Drew Wermedal (Morgan), Lindsay Miyamoto (Tim), Briana Wharton (Tyler), Levi Lair and Josh Lair (Brandy).
Great-Grandma is survived by nine great grandchildren and one on the way. Ethan, Brennan and Brinley Legred; Wyatt, Mason and Kinsley Engebretson; Ian Williams; Rori Lair and Nora Wermedal.
All are grateful for the blessing of having been loved, loved deeply, by her.
To watch the service, follow this link: https://youtube.com/live/6dKfWLubAHY?feature=share
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Lorna was such a kind, quiet, sweet yet reserved lady. She had a gentle smile. I would pass her often in the hallway between meals and say hello. She was a friend too to all who knew her while living at NP of Mankato. She will be missed and fondly remembered. Blessed be her memory.
Brad, Karen and family:
So sorry for your loss. This is such a difficult time but I hope the memories you all have , will help you through this.
I have so many amazing memories of Lorna. She got me started on the guitar by playing with her in the junior church program she ran for so many years. Always such a bright light of humor and her smile is unforgettable. And what a legacy she leaves behind too.
I’m very sorry for your family’s loss. I have such fond memories of years of piano lessons on Lorna’s porch and she was such a blessing and dear friend to my Mom. So sad to know such a special lady has passed away, but happy to know she’s in a wonderful place.
My deepest sympathy to you and your family, Karen and Brad
I am sorry to see this, yet happy for her. She is with Jesus and reuniting with many loved ones. What a woman! So many great memories of family gatherings. Will be praying for you all as you process this loss.
Condolences on your loss. Cherish your memories.
Vic and Jim Weber
Wermedal family, Lorna was a wonderful lady and piano teacher. I would ride the bus from Hayward School to her house for lessons. We lived in the neighborhood. I still have my piano books. I will always remember the day when she come looking for me at Shopko when her son told her I worked there. Sending my sincere sympathy!!! Karen (Ellegard) VanReese
What a beautiful tribute!🥲
All my love to Lorna’s family.
You are all nestled gently in my thoughts.
What a joy it was knowing Lorna. We got to know each other through church and at the Historical Museum. My daughters enjoyed the Living History camps, and later we worked together on children’s programs there. My prayers are with you as you both grieve and celebrate this special lady.
What a wonderful tribute. Hard to lose someone so loved. May knowing she is rejoicing in heaven bring you peace and comfort with all of your memories. Sympathies to all of your family.