Lorna Graffius accepting the Robe of Achievement, 1998

Lorna was born in South Dakota. She had four daughters, eight grandchildren, on great grand child, and extensive step family. She had a lifelong interest in missions beginning when she was in 8th grade.

Lorna attended elementary and high school in Dodge Center, MN. She spent on year at Milton College, and one year at Winona State College. She received her Physical Therapy Degree from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.

She has always had a desire for service, whether she was a lone Sabbathkeeper or living near and SDB church. She has been affiliated with churches in Dodge Center, Daytona Beach, and Bradenton FL and Salemville, PA. She served as church organist, choir director, and choir member. She taught Sabbath School, was president of Ladies Aid, and served as church clerk. She was president of the North Central Association, a camp director, and a Bible Study leader.

Lorna worked with the Girl Scouts in various capacities in many of the states she lived in. She became a full-time executive for the Scouts as a field advisor. As part of her duties she was responsible for a Girl Scout residential camp for three summers.

A lieutenant in the US Army during WWII she served her country in England as a physical therapist, working with soldiers who had been injured. Part of her duties as a ranking officer was to close down US military hospitals as the war ended. It was during those years that she visited the Mill Yard SDB Church in London. As an officer’s wife she was a leader and organizer for activities involving the families of the military personnel. She often hosted events for newly arriving wives, welcoming them to the base and getting them acclimated to the area. At holiday times GI’s unable to be with their families were invited to her home for a meal or party. She was a capable Officer’s Wives Club president when called upon to preform the duty. During the time her husband was stationed in Germany, she and her family visited with SDB groups in Europe.

Lorna served the denomination as Pre Con director and a Commitment to Growth Program trainer. She was involved in Women’s Board activities for many years. The same year her husband was General Conference president she led a seminar. She was chairman of the Involvement and Encounter Committee and Obituary Committee chair. She also served as a NET retreat leader/trainer in SDB churchs in the US, New Zealand, and Australia. She was also a NET trainer to the Australaisan Conference.

She was married to Lt. Col. William ‘Bob’ Austin for over 46 years. After his death she married Charles Graffius as semi-retired pastor. She and Charles were instrumental in organizing the Senior Saints in 1994.

Lorna was always working to improve herself in order to represent he Lord better. She was a Christian role model with a willingness to help anyone- anywhere, anytime.