Lori Stanton-Artner Obituary

Pastor Lori Dawn Stanton-Artner, age 63, of St. Cloud, entered her eternal home on Friday, July 4, 2025, at the St. Cloud Hospital.
Visitation will be July 23, 2025, from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Kimball United Methodist Church. A Memorial Service to celebrate Lori's beautiful life will be held on July 24, 2025, at 11:00 am with visitation beginning at 10:00 am at the church. Pastor Faith Totushek, who is one of Lori's mentors and dear friend in ministry, will officiate. Private interment at Kimball cemetery.
Lori Dawn Stanton was born on March 12, 1962, in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota to Larry and Ann (Kertscher) Stanton. As a toddler, Lori experienced the tragic and unexpected loss of her mother, an event that might have broken many – but not Lori. Lovingly raised by her dear grandmother, Rachel Stanton, and her father, she learned resilience, compassion, and strength. She treasured her aunts, Judi and Brenda, who were more like sisters to Lori than aunts. These relationships sowed the seeds of devotion and joyfulness Lori would bring to every relationship thereafter.
Lori graduated from Park Rapids High School in 1980. She attended college at St. Cloud State University where she studied social work and speech communication. Lori wasn't one to skip class, but when she met a young man who asked her to coffee it was well worth it. This was the beginning of her love story. She was united in marriage to the love of her life, Alan Artner, on January 8, 1988. Together they built a life filled with warmth, joy, faith, endless mutual support, limitless stacks of books, delicious meals, and a rotating cast of cherished cats.
Lori left behind a fulfilling career as a Mental Health Practitioner with Catholic Charities when she and Alan relocated to Grand Rapids, Michigan in the late 1990's. During her time in Michigan, a special relationship burgeoned when she met a young girl while working as a Community Organizer and Advocate for a local neighborhood association. Their bond was instant and deep – proof that chosen family can be every bit as powerful as biological. Their connection reflects the powerful, enduring nature of love and its ability to shape individuals, to create unity, and to overcome adversity. Lori always believed Christa to be a special daughter given to her by God. She simply adored her three granddaughters. Christa, her husband, Kyle, and their daughters epitomize the importance of family as a source of love, support, and belonging.
After returning to Minnesota in late 2007, Lori's abundant gift for caring was expressed as she provided personal health aid and support to her Aunt/Sister, Brenda. She also helped to equip and support other caregivers by her work with Faith in Action.
Lori then answered God's call to pastoral ministry with the clarity and conviction of someone who had been listening and preparing for it her whole life. Beginning in 2017, she served as Pastor at Zion United Methodist in South Haven, MN, adding Kimball United Methodist Church in 2020. It gave Lori great joy to share the good news of God's love with all, in sermons, prayers, hospital and care center visits, and in quiet encouragement. She wasn't just a preacher – she was a builder of community, a healer of hurts, and a tireless champion of grace and mercy.
Lori committed herself to lifelong learning, continuously expanding her understanding and knowledge of the world around her, and studying and deepening her faith and love for God. Lori strived to be involved in community outreach and was a faithful servant of Christ. She had a passion for cooking and enthusiastically tested new recipes and various cuisines. Her appreciation for books will be remembered by all. Lori shared a love of gardening with Alan and every year would stock the freezer and pantry with their annual bounty of vegetables, berries, cherries, and pears. Lori made deep investments into the lives of people as a friend, mentor, coach, and shepherd. Her spirit echoes in the many lives she touched.
Lori is survived by her husband, Alan; honorary daughter, Christa (Kyle) Snyder and their daughters, Kylee, Coralynn, Klara; brothers, David and Michael; sister-in-law, Amy Denn; niece and goddaughter, Jessica Denn; nephew, Isaac (Gabriela) Denn-Diaz; mother-in-law, Carla Artner; and playful cat and purring sidekick, Alianna Nala. She was preceded in death by her parents and stepmother, Linda; grandparents; aunts and uncles, Judi (Rod) Lydell, Brenda (Ron) Severson, Doris (Gene) Schermerhorn; father-in-law, Gene Artner; and many beloved family and friends. No doubt Lori was greeted with a joyous, celestial "Well done, good and faithful servant."
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