Loretta M. Hamilton, age 86, of Waterloo, and formerly of Fennimore, Wisconsin, died on Friday, June 15, 2018, at the University of Wisconsin Hospital in Madison. Loretta was born on May 21, 1932, in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, the daughter of James and Gladys (Zabel) Lechnir. She was united in marriage to Willis P. Hamilton on August 20, 1953. They spent 30 years together before Willis’s death in 1983. Loretta spent just shy of 50 years in Fennimore before moving to Waterloo, Wisconsin last year to be closer to her children.
Loretta is survived by her children, David (Cheryl) Hamilton of Portage and Diane Hamilton (Greg Prochaska) of Waterloo; two grandchildren, Chelsey (Kyle) Bence of Oregon and Travis Hamilton of Portage; and, several nieces and nephews.
Loretta retired from the First State Bank in Fennimore in 1994. Loretta’s love and focus was, first and foremost, caring for her family. She cherished the time she spent with her children and grandchildren. She especially treasured girls’ night out with Chelsey and watching Travis play baseball. When her eyesight still allowed, she made countless crafting projects, including beautiful cross stitch and crocheted handiwork. Loretta loved watching sports and always had the Brewers, Badgers or Packers on television.
She is preceded in death by her husband Willis, infant grandchild Justin, parents Jim and Gladys Lechnir, and three brothers, James, Kenny and Harvey Lechnir.
Visitation will be held at Larson Funeral Home in Fennimore, Wisconsin, from 9:00 -11:00 A.M. on Saturday, June 30, 2018, followed by a funeral prayer service at 11:00 A.M. At the request of Loretta, there will be a private graveside service at the cemetery in Bagley, Wisconsin.
Loretta’s family would like to thank the Fennimore Rescue Squad, Waterloo Rescue Squad, and University of WI Hospital Trauma and Life Support Center staff. An extra special thank you to the staff of Highland House for their loving care and friendship.
Online condolences may be made at larsonfuneralhomes.com.