Lorenza "Laurie" Armstrong

LORENZA MARIE (RODRIGUEZ) ARMSTRONG, age 81 of North Mankato, formally of Waseca, died on the afternoon of Friday, February 3, 2023 at her home at Oak Terrace in North Mankato.

Born July 17, 1941, Lorenza was the oldest daughter of Romolo and Modesta (Contreraz) Rodriguez. From a young age, Lorenza was a hard worker. At thirteen she helped out as a caregiver to the children of Gordy and Joan McCabe, where she was quickly recognized as an honorary sister and special member of the family. She was well admired by her peers and crowned the first Homecoming Queen of her alma mater Cleveland High School, involved in many clubs, and played the drums in the school band. When asked why she chose the instrument she said, “I liked to keep everyone on beat.” Her sense of rhythm transcended her appreciation of music and touched every aspect of her life. She kept a steady pulse for her patients throughout her nursing career, provided a strong cadence for the staff and residents of Janesville Nursing Home, and guided her family as a mother of six children and wife for 59 years. Lorenza had many talents as an accomplished dancer, crafter, cook, and baker. Her grandchildren looked forward to every holiday meal she prepared, especially her ham gravy and pies.

She was the orchestrator of fun who seldom was seen without a smile on her face, and known for her charming laugh. It caught the ear of Wayne Armstrong one evening at the Kato Ballroom and led to their marriage April 20, 1963. As an avid supporter of every Minnesota sports team, Lorenza caught the game every week. When she wasn’t cheering on The Vikings, you could find her watching the country music programs on RFD-TV. Her family and friends miss their fearless drummer, but are comforted to know Lorenza is at peace and reunited with her loving husband and beloved son.

Lorenza is survived by her five children, Colette (William) Drager of Mankato, Darlette (Joel) Hoppe of Mankato, Jolette (Don) Byron of Waseca, Trent (Lisa) Armstrong of Waseca, and Marlette (Scott) Jones of Waseca; thirteen grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; eight brothers, Pete (Roxanne), Robert (Mimi), Jerry (Janet), Max, Joe, Leo, Mike, and Raymond and two sisters, Florence (Ken), and Elizabeth (Dale). She was preceded in death by both parents; her husband; one son, Troy Armstrong; one grandson, Alex Armstrong; two brothers, Louis and Lupe; and one sister, Carmen.

Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. with visitation two hours prior on Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Waldorf with Father Brian Mulligan officiating. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Community Cemetery.

Dennis-Steffel-Omtvedt Funeral Homes and Crematory is handling the arrangements.