Lorraine H. Donovan, 92, passed away Sunday, July 25, at Gunderson Lutheran Hospital surrounded by loved ones. She was born on January 2, 1929, to Clarence and Irma Flock. Throughout her life, Lorraine lived in a number of different communities in Wisconsin. She met her husband, Gerald, at St. Pius High School in Milwaukee and married on October 16, 1948. Through Gerald’s job as a police chief, their family moved to numerous places throughout the midwest. Upon retirement, though, they chose to settle in Hayward, WI, and build their roots for a number of years before moving closer to family.

All her life, Lorraine truly thrived on being a devoted wife, mother, and [great] grandmother. She loved to both bake and cook; bringing everyone together around the table made her feel most at peace. During the many years of living in Hayward, Lorraine loved hosting family and friends to visit. On many occasions, they would get lengthy visits from their children and grandchildren, spending the majority of their time on the pontoon boat in the water. She always said ‘living on the lake were some of the best parts of life.’

Regardless of where she went, she was revered for her compassion and charismatic personality. It brought her so much joy to provide for those around her. Lorraine cherished all the time spent with loved ones and the memories that were made along the way; each memory was held very dearly to her heart until she passed.

She is survived by her nine children, 17 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

Lorraine was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters (Dorothea Paul and Eileen Bogenberger), husband, daughter-in-law (Heidi Habel Donovan), and great-grandson (Kale Donovan).

Visitation will be on Saturday, August 21, from 10:00-11:00, with service beginning at 11:00 at The Gathering Place, 133 Mason St., Onalaska, WI. A luncheon will follow the service. The service will be live-streamed, and can be viewed using the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89151754899?pwd=T2ZjaFlFdkZUc1ZxZlFKRTErTFhRZz09

The Donovan family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Gunderson Lutheran Hospital and everyone who has provided their support and sympathies. In lieu of flowers, Lorraine has asked for donations to any local food bank or the Hayward Humane Society. Both causes were held close to heart.

To Mom/Grandma/Lorraine: may you rest easy knowing that your spirit lives on through the memories and traditions you have shared with your loved ones.