Caledonia Argus

Posted: 2/3/03

Lorraine Sweeney

Lorraine (Semke) Sweeney, 83, of Hokah died quietly in her sleep on Sunday morning, February 2, 2003. She had been a resident at the Caledonia Lutheran Home where she received wonderful care since November of 1996. She was born Laurene Esther Semke to George and Ida (Klotzke) Semke on June 10, 1919 in the Town of Washington, La Crosse County. Lorraine was united in marriage to Leo John Sweeney on November 27, 1940 in St. Patrickís Church, Brownsville. They had four daughters and farmed together their entire lifetime in the Hokah area.

Lorraine was a faithful member of St. Patrickís Parish and St. Teresaís Circle. She also enjoyed the friendship of her neighbors in the Homemakerís Club on German Ridge. Lotraine was an excellent cook, who had a special talent for making pies and sweet rolls. She always had a kind word for everyone.

Lorraine is survived by her husband Leo; four daughters: Mary Ann Johnson, La Crescent, Arlene Bothe, Bangor, Carol Sweeney-Marnach (son-in-law Terry), Hokah and Sharon Sweeney, La Crescent; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two brothers, Vernon Semke, Sparta and Harland (Helen) Semke, La Crosse; and a sister, Bernice Dummer, La Crosse and numerous nieces and nephews.

Lorraine was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters-in-law, Lucille Semke and Catherine Sweeney; two brothers-in-law, Raymond Sweeney and Raymond Dummer; and her son-in-law, Marlin Bothe.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Patrickís Church, Brownsville, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, February 6, followed by burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m., Wednesday, February 5, at McCormick Funeral Home, Caledonia, with a rosary at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will also be one hour prior to the service at the church Thursday morning.

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