Hi, I’m Lori Andreen and my husband, Ken, and I live on Big Eagle Lake. We are parents and grandparents! We have been coming to Big Lake for over 40 years and finally decided to make it home. I’m very active in my church and with the Big Eagle Lake Improvement Association, where I get to work with so many fantastic people. We love that Big Lake is home and will continue to be so in the future. It really is a wonderful place to live.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have been married to my husband, Ken, for 44 years. We met in Chicago where I grew up in Oak Park. We moved to Maple Grove and lived there for 30 years. Ken’s grandparents owned a cabin on Eagle Lake since the 1920’s and we would go there to visit. In 2007 we decided to purchase a place on Big Eagle and in 2014 we moved there permanently after using it for a cabin. We have 2 boys, Brian who is 36 and Jeremy who is 35. Brian currently lives in Brooklyn Park with his wife – who is a wonderful daughter-in-law – and their 7 month old son. Jeremy lives close to Medina with his wife – another fantastic daughter-in-law – and they will have their baby at Christmas.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
We have had a cabin here since 2007 but moved here permanently in 2014. We’ve been coming here since we met to stay at the cabin owned by Ken’s grandparents.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants/businesses in Big Lake?
We love Pizza Factory and Third Rail because they have the best burgers in town! But, there isn’t a bad restaurant in Big Lake.
Q: Do you have any pets? If so, what are they and what are their names?
No we do not. We did have dogs in the past but right now it would be too difficult because we like to travel. We have a 1995 RV and having pets would not be easy. Last winter went travelled to the South West portion of the country and we will go again this winter.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV Shows?
My all-time favorite movie is Sound of Music. For TV, I try to DVR shows to watch later. I enjoy Murdock, All Creatures Big & Small, and The Chosen.
Q: What is your favorite holiday? Favorite season?
My favorite season is Fall when there is beautiful colors and less bugs! My favorite holiday is Christmas.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I want to do more RVing.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I plan to stay here in Big Lake. I will continue being active in our church. I also will continue working with the Big Eagle Lake Improvement Association. Currently I am Secretary of the Board and also spend a great deal of time planning our fundraising events.
Q: What are your favorite hobbies?
Gardening at our church – I head up the gardening there. RVing has become a more recent hobby.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I love to sing. I also am passionate about Native Gardening. I plant wild grasses, flowers and plants to draw in bees, butterflies, etc.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I enjoy the small town feel. We have just about everything here but Big Lake still isn’t too big. The local businesses are able to survive and have become popular. And we have a lot of green space.
Q: What advice would you give to people living in Big Lake?
Love on your neighbors. Don’t judge a man until you walk in his shoes. Also, please take care of your boats. We need you to make sure you’re following the guidelines to avoid more evasive species in the lake.
Q: If you could eat only 1 food/meal and drink only 1 drink for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Crunchy peanut butter with raspberry jam on an English muffin with a cup of coffee with cream. (I hope I’d have a toaster!)
Q: Do you now, or have you ever, had any nicknames?
My maiden name was Dean; my nickname was Dino in elementary school when the Flintstone cartoon was all the rage.
Q: If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
I would like to fly. It’s a little strange since I’m afraid of heights!
Q: What would you do if you won the lottery?
If I did win the lottery I would look into some wonderful charities and find a way to bless them.
Q: What is your proudest accomplishment?
My two boys.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
God, I want to only make him happy.
Q: Who is an interesting person in our community that you’ve met and deserves to be included in The Faces of Big Lake project?
Marcie Swanson – she works tirelessly on the Big Eagle Lake Improvement Association. She is amazing and demonstrates integrity and support. The entire Association is great though an everyone has a “lets get it done” attitude. I also think Don Orrock should be acknowledged.
