Loretta McGlynn

Loretta Brigid McGlynn (Kollmar, Pearson) 

Age 86, passed away on April 7, 2024, in Mahtomedi, MN.

Loretta Brigid Kollmar was born on February 27, 1938 in Akron, Ohio. Her family moved to Minnesota when her father was transferred by 3M. She attended St. Mary’s of the Lake school and church. Loretta was a tap dancer and played piano growing up. She worked downtown at The Emporium through school. She graduated from White Bear Lake High School, Class of 1956. She enrolled at Globe College to learn shorthand and typing, which helped her land a secretarial position at 3M in the Tape Division. She  worked on the 7th floor while her father worked on the 3rd. They’d ride and have lunch together.

Loretta married Peter Jay Pearson on April 10, 1959. They had two children, Deborah in 1964 and Dan in 1966, and lived in Maplewood, MN. The family joined Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, where Loretta played piano and learned to play the organ for services. She played for many weddings and funerals in the 70s and 80s.  She taught piano lessons in her home. She played the organ for many churches including St. Pius X and United Methodist. Loretta worked for Shoppers City and School District 622. She went to night school to learn medical transcription, and got a job at St. Joseph’s Hospital in the Radiology Department. Loretta and Jay divorced in 1988, but remained close.

Loretta was a fast typist. She could type 100+ words per minute while thinking about something else. Loretta worked as a medical transcriptionist for Lakeview Hospital in Stillwater until she retired. She moved to Rivertown Commons in Stillwater. She loved her little apartment with a great view of the St. Croix river.

Loretta was proud of her Irish heritage. She visited Ireland twice, fulfilling a lifelong dream. She discovered clogging and joined a dance troupe. They performed at  Disneyworld. She loved all animals, but especially loved her pets. Her loyal dogs included Alfie, Misty May, Sunny, Ike, Ito and Hotch. Her sweet kitties were Paddles (6 toes), Roscoe, Mr. Gray, Little Bit, Monkey and Bailey.

Loretta is survived by her children, Deborah (Mallard) Teal, and Dan (Kathy) Pearson; and grandchildren Melissa Teal, Drake Teal, and Jenna Pearson. 

She was reunited in Heaven with her parents Fred and Zelma Kollmar; sister Diane Balcom; and many beloved pets across the rainbow bridge. 

Mass of Christian burial for Ms. Loretta McGlynn will be held on Wednesday, April 17 at 12:00 PM at Church of St. Peter (2600 Margaret St. N) with visitation an hour prior. Luncheon to follow Mass.

Interment at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.