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Evenson, Lorraine J.

Lorraine Jean Evenson, age 92, of Waupaca Chain O’ Lakes (Columbian Lake), formerly of Green Bay, passed away on Monday, September 6th, 2010 at Bethany Home in Waupaca. She was born in Menasha, WI., on June 4, 1918, a daughter of the late Oscar and Viola Mae (Rapple) Evenson. Lorraine was a loving daughter and sister, dedicated teacher, tireless volunteer, generous contributor, staunch Republican, world traveler and dear friend. The Evensons were a happy family. Her father was an educator. Her mother was a talented musician. Lorraine reminisced often about her childhood. She told stories of her grandparents in Scandinavia, WI and Humbolt, IA. She shared how in 1927, her father was looking for a place to rent on the Chain O’ Lakes to have a family reunion, couldn’t find anything and ended up buying her beloved Canary Cottage on Columbian Lake. She talked about the day that changed her life forever. Her brother Harland, while trying out a new motorboat for his employer, the owner of Downey’s Electric Dock on Rainbow Lake, somehow was thrown from the boat and tragically drowned. It was July 5, 1932. Lorraine was 14 years old. Lorraine was a good student. She attended Waupaca High School until her senior year, when her father took a job in Cudahy, WI. She graduated as Valedictorian of her high school class at the ripe old age of 16. She continued her education at Milwaukee Downer College where she went on a scholarship which she almost lost when the dean decided she dressed to nicely for a scholarship student. She had to explain that her mother made all of her clothes. She graduated from Milwaukee Downer in 1938. Her first teaching job was in Owen, WI., where she desperately missed her parents and got to see them seldom, it was an all day trip in cars, buses and trains to reach them in Milwaukee. World War II intervened (by men teachers having to go to help fight the war) to bring Lorraine the job of her dreams, teaching math at Franklin Junior High School in Green Bay. A job she would retain for 40 years until her retirement. Lorraine loved to travel and found her way to places all over the world. She especially loved England and Portugal. When she traveled, she brought back wonderful memories and souvenirs. Her collection of Royal Doulton character jugs, became one of her favorite things, she often visited the factory in England to purchase limited editions. She has since donated this collection to the Holly History Center in Waupaca. Lorraine was a tireless volunteer, giving her time to Daughters of the American Revolution, Green Bay Women’s’ Club, Chain O’ Lakes Protective Association, Wisconsin Veterans Home, Rural Historical Society and the Republican Party. She was one of the founders of the “Lights of Love” program for the Riverside Hospital Auxiliary. She was generous with dozens of worthwhile causes and charities. Lorraine was a member of First United Methodist Church in Waupaca. Survivors include her Second Cousin: Carl (Elsie) Evenson, Neenah, WI; Special Friends: Elizabeth Sparling Carver; Sarah Sparling; Jefferey Sparling; Suzanne Sparling and Margaret Marcom. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Harland. Funeral Services were held at the First United Methodist Church in Waupaca at 11 AM on Friday, September 10th, 2010, with Reverend Cathy J.N. Weigand officiating. Interment will be in Lakeside Memorial Park, Waupaca. Visitation was held on Friday from 10 AM until the time of the service at the church. The Holly Funeral Home of Waupaca is assisting the family with arrangements.

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