Lorraine J. Stern was peacefully called home to her Lord and Savior on Friday, August 28, 2026 at the age of 88.

Lorraine, of New London, Wisconsin, was born September 13, 1937 to the late Clarence and Dora (Mansee) Kratzke. She graduated from Washington High School in New London with the class of 1955, and she married Keith Stern on April 19, 1958, sharing 67 years together before his passing on December 11, 2025.

Lorraine loved God, loved her family, and was an example of a humble, God revering woman. She was a submissive wife, a nurturing mother, and was kind to everyone who crossed her path, making everyone feel valued. She had a personal desire to continually draw closer to God and understand His word. “The family that prays together, stays together” was a motto while raising her children.

Her physical heart was not strong, but it was bigger than ordinary in spirit. When others met her, they often described her as “sweet” or “nice” because she had an overabundance of grace and love to give. She loved flowers, Victorian art, swans, and the color pink, reflecting her soft, gentle nature. Nearly everyone who knew her has a special memory to share that is unique to them. Each one of them had a special place in her heart. Her love remains our greatest blessing.

Lorraine was also a bit spunky, and feisty in nature, often making others smile with her fun-loving spirit. She was often described as just plain “cute”. She loved to travel, and found joy in seeing God’s beauty. She had a closet full of photo albums documenting each adventure, which included travels to every U.S. state, Canada and Mexico.

Lorraine is survived by her children, Kenneth (Shelly) Stern, Peggy (Thomas) Theama, Sue (Chuck) Borrelli and Kelly Hancock; her grandchildren, Jessica Hoier (William Mattern), Rose Marie Lapp (Adam Schamber), Brooke Theama (Spencer Bowman), Jesse Theama, Sheena Martens, Jessica (Max) Adams, Kyle (Angelina) Borrelli, Kayleigh (Erik) Osmundsen, Dakota Hancock and Marshall Hancock; nine great-grandchildren and one on the way; her sisters, Cheryl (Kenneth) Krause and Faye Marks; sister-in-law, Francis Stern; brother-in-law, Harold (Millie) Daberkow; and many loved nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, she is preceded in death by her stepdad, Cleland Popke; her sisters, Yvonne Daberkow and Karen Kratzke; brother-in-law, Glenn Marks; granddaughter, Jennifer Hoier; her in-laws, Gerhart and Dora Stern, Evie Stern, Norma Stern, Gerald Stern, Glenna (Don) Sipe, Jean (James) Yost, Marian (Bob) Kamba; nephews, Daniel Sipe and Larry Kamba; and her niece, Paula Yost.

The Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 4, 2026 at Emanuel Lutheran Church, in New London, Wisconsin, with Rev. Mark Tiefel officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will be at St. Martin Cemetery in Clintonville.

The family would like to thank Living Oaks Assisted Living, Ascension (St. Elizabeth’s) Hospital, and Lisa from Compassus for all their care for mom and support to our family.