Lorie Niskanen

Lorie Niskanen, 63, of Pequot Lakes, Minnesota, passed away on August 2, 2024. She was born January 27, 1961, in Grand Rapids, Minnesota to Virginia and Bernard Skroch and grew up in Bovey, Minnesota, where she graduated from Greenway High school in 1979. 

Lorie later moved to Brainerd, Minnesota where she met John Niskanen in June of 1979, while working at Brainerd State Hospital. The couple had their first date December 1,1979 and were married August 29, 1980. On February 3, 1981, they welcomed their son, Cory. 

Lorie had many hobbies including crocheting, sewing, and attending concerts and bull riding events. She loved sunny days and traveling to her favorite places- South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana. She was also the co-owner of Twin Pines Trading Post located in Jenkins and Pequot Lakes, and Niskanen Wood Products. 

Lorie was able to spend her last day doing what she loved- working at her store with all of her family helping. She started her journey to heaven as she wanted, at home with John by her side. Lorie will forever remain John's pretty little dark-haired girl. 

She is survived by her husband John Niskanen; son Cory and daughter-in-law Shannon Niskanen; grandchildren Elizabeth Niskanen, Aurora Hughes, Matthew Niskanen, Duke Aichele-Niskanen, and Ezra Niskanen; sister Connie Covington; step-sister Vonda Witney; sister-in-law Pam Niskanen; brothers-in-law Jim Niskanen and Dean Hovey; neices Tiffany Hovey and Kaitlyn Rader; and nephews Justin Covington, Brady Niskanen, and Cole Niskanen; good friends Kathie Holcomb and Tracy Zomok. She also leaves behind many other wonderful friends she made over the course of her life. 

Lorie is preceded in death by her mother Virginia Skroch; father Bernard Skroch; stepfather George Bennett; sister Debbie Skroch; brother Steve Skroch; and sister-in-law Judy Hovey. 

A gathering of immediate family is planned for a later date.

Arrangements are entrusted to Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Pequot Lakes.