Loretta Billman

Loretta J. Billman, 62 of Duluth, died tragically on Nov. 30th in her home.  Loretta was born July 16, 1958 in Duluth to Emil and Mary Ann (Nemec) Durovec. She graduated from Meadowlands High School, where she was a cheerleader and Homecoming Queen.  She worked in housekeeping at St. Luke’s, HBJ, and was secretary at Billman Construction (where the boss swept her off her feet and started a new chapter of her life). Loretta was a stay-at-home mom for many years - she made it seem effortless - before the family dipped their toes into the limo business and she ran and drove for Absolute Elegance Limo. It was there that she realized she had a real knack for the service industry. Loretta then waitressed at the Chalet, Country Kitchen, Larry’s Coneys, Farley’s, Fosters and the Cast Iron and was currently working at the Brookston Post Office.

Loretta enjoyed bowling league; she was a Girl Scout troop leader; Sunday school teacher; hockey mom; avid boater (who could basically dock a boat single-handedly) and member of the Duluth Power Squadron.

Loretta was well-loved and will be deeply missed by not only her family and friends, but the people she served and worked with, as evidenced by the people who have reached out and offered support. It’s hard to encompass someone’s life in a few paragraphs but Loretta loved and was so loved.

She was preceded in death by her father, Emil Durovec, and her husband Mike.

Loretta is survived by her children, Kari (Joe) Matthes of Coon Rapids and Andy Billman of Duluth; grandchildren, Benjiman, Leif, Sophia and Marty; her mother, Mary Ann Durovec; siblings, Ann (Dennis) Lind, Diane (Joe) Olson, John (Darletta) Durovec, Joan (Steve) Johnson, Dan (Danielle) Durovec and Lyn (Tony) Kozumplik, and many, many nieces and nephews.

Due to COVID, private family Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Raphael’s Church, Pike Lake. Service will be live-streamed at 11:00AM.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date for everyone when it’s safe to celebrate her the way she truly deserves — with fireball, warm food, and hugs. Loretta will be buried next to Mike at Grand Lake Cemetery. Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral home, 600 E 2nd St. Duluth, MN , (218) 727-3555 .