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Lorraine Irvema (Larson) Willson, age 99 of Eau Claire passed away Thursday morning, May 13, 2010 at Luther Hospital in Eau Claire.
Memorial services will take place at 11 am on Tuesday morning May 18, 2010 at Lake Street United Methodist Church 337 Lake Street, Eau Claire, WI 54703. Pastor Graham N. West will officiate. Memorial visitation will take place at Fuller Speckien Hulke Funeral Home, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 on Monday evening May 17, 2010 from 5-7:30 pm and at the church Tuesday morning from 10 am until the time of services. Private family committal services will take place prior to the services in Forest Hill Cemetery in Eau Claire. |
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Lorraine was born to Thomas and Myrtle (Trowbridge) Litchfield on February 22nd, 1911 in Mondovi, Wisconsin. She was a graduate of the University of Stout in Menomonie, Wisconsin. She married Milton Larson on June 20th, 1934 at Lake Street Methodist Church in Eau Claire. They were married until his death in 1981. Lorraine married Stuart Willson in 1983 and they were together until his death in 1986.
During World War II, Lorraine went to work for Luther Hospital as the Administrative Dietician. She worked in this capacity for several years before leaving to own and operate the Crosstown and Crossroad restaurants with her husband, Milt. From 1949 until 1971, these were destination eateries for local residents as well as travelers. After closing the restaurants, they opened Flowerland gift shop and remained open until shortly before Milt's death in 1981.
Having been confirmed, married, a devoted volunteer and a lifelong member of Lake Street Methodist Church, she considered it a true love. Her church and religion were very important in her life. Lorraine also gave many years of service as a volunteer to Luther Hospital. She served on the board of directors for eight years and was honored as Luther's Samaritan of the Year award in 1976. A member of PEO Chapter AP for 67 years, Lorraine treasured the lifelong friendships that developed through this wonderful organization. The alumni association of the University of Wisconsin-Stout recognized Lorraine as a Distinguished Graduate in 1971. This award was for her work as an active community leader, devoted humanitarian, and dedicated member of charitable and service organization. Lorraine's philosophy was "to receive from your community you must give to your community". She was a woman ahead of her time; well educated, dedicated wife and mother, entrepreneur, leader and volunteer in her community and patron of the arts. Lorraine always had a beautiful flower garden, was an avid reader, and a gourmet cook. Her family was a great source of pride and she never missed an opportunity to regale in their many accomplishments.
She is survived by her two sons, Richard (Marcia) Larson of Eau Claire and David (Jenny) Larson of New Auburn. Lorraine is also survived by four grandchildren, Thomas (Renee) Larson, Heidi (Andy) Fisher, Eric (Wendy) Larson, and Chad Larson, as well as her step grandchildren, Eric Johnson, Kara (Mike) Stone, Dana Dominici, and Andrea (Cory) Ziemer-Probasco. She is further survived by her great-grandchildren: Tom's children, Madeline and Garrett and step children, Kelsey and Evan; Heidi's children, Cecelia, Sam and Nicholas; Kara's children, Sean, Max and Charlie; and Andrea's son, Hilliard.
Lorraine is also survived by a brother, Donald (Shirley) Litchfield, and a sister, Lois (Robert) Bodeau as well as several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by both of her husbands, her parents, a brother Thomas Litchfield, two sisters, Erna Olsen, and Doris Herrick.
Lorraine had a very loving and compassionate caregiver, Diane Lang. The family is deeply
appreciative of Diane's many years of companionship, fun times and care that she has given to Lorraine.
Memorials may be given in Lorraine's honor to Luther Hospital and to Lake Street Methodist Church.
Friends may offer condolences online at www.fullerspeckienhulke.com.
Fuller-Speckien-Hulke Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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