Fennimore - Lorraine Francis (Yanna) Alderson, age 86, passed away at home on Monday, August 15, 2016, surrounded by her loving family. The daughter of John and Nora (Nowak) Yanna, Lorraine was born on June 13, 1930 at the family farm on Castle Rock Ridge in rural Muscoda WI. The seventh child of an eventual family of nine, she joined Hank, Gertrude, Eleanor, Marcella, Dorothy and John Jr., with Arnold and Mary Alice to follow in later years.
Lorraine had fond memories of her childhood on the family farm with the big bungalow house, back in simpler times with walks to grade school with her neighboring cousins, singing and dancing with her siblings to country tunes during chores, berry picking, making rosettes and playing checkers with her Mom. She was proud of her Bohemian heritage and treasured her lifelong friendships formed during her early years on “The Ridge”. She enjoyed school, being a cheerleader and was a 1948 graduate of Montfort High.
On February 28, 1949, Lorraine married Lawton Albert Alderson of Mt. Hope, WI at St. John’s Nepomuc Catholic Church, Castle Rock Ridge. From this union, 11 children were born: Linda (Eldon) Washburn, LaVon (Robert) Broihahn, Larry (Diane) Alderson, Loretta Alderson, Loren (Teresa) Alderson, Leone Alderson, LeeAnn (Alan) Wagner, Laura (David) Anderson, Leonard Alderson, Lisa Bollant, and Lynn (David) Holzinger.
Since marriage, Lorraine and Lawton farmed in the surrounding Fennimore area. 1997 marked a well-deserved retirement from farming, with the couple continuing to reside on their beloved farm on County Trunk T in Marion Township until their move to Fennimore in 2011. Lorraine also enjoyed working alongside Pat Shemak in his catering business at both Southwest Tech and Ray-O-Vac in Fennimore, with a later stint as a kitchen aide at the Good Samaritan Center.
First and foremost Lorraine loved her Lord and Savior and provided that foundation to her family, and was a long-time member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fennimore.
Lorraine enjoyed the simple pleasures in life with Lawton at her side: the love and laughter of family, pride in their farm and weekend dances to classic country music in the area. She made her house a home filled with love, her infectious laughter and wit, and often a sweet treat baking in the oven. Her work ethic was second to none. She truly was humble and kind.
In addition to her beloved husband Lawton of 67 years, her 11 children, their spouses and significant others Amy Phillips, Jim McDevitt and Jerome Gilles, Lorraine is survived by 16 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren; sister Marcella Delkamp, sister-in-laws June Yanna and Alice Yanna, along with several cherished nieces and nephews.
Lorraine was preceded in death by her parents; her father and mother-in-law William and Ethel Alderson, the following sisters and brothers along with their spouses: Dorothy (Robert) Minter, Eleanor (Bernard) Whitish, Gertrude (Lyle) Weichmann, Hank (Helen) Yanna, John Yanna Jr., Arnold Yanna, infant Mary Alice Yanna, brother-in-law William Delkamp.
The family would like to thank the Grant County Hospice Nurses for their visits during Mom’s illness; they were a blessing to the entire family. As well, the spiritual comfort and support provided by Father Miguel Galvez and Father Tom Kelley will be remembered always.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday August 19, 2016, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Fennimore with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held from 3:00 – 7:00 P.M. on Thursday evening August 18, 2016, at the Larson Family Funeral Home in Fennimore. Online condolences may be made at larsonfuneralhomes.com.
In life we loved you dearly; in death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone, for part of us went with you the day God called you home. You left us peaceful memories; your love is still our guide. And though we cannot see you, you are always on our side. Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same. But as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.