Lorraine Thompson

LORRAINE C. THOMPSON

Lorraine Cecelia Thompson, age 93, of Winona, died peacefully surrounded by her family after a brief illness at Callista Court on Saturday, May 13, 2017.

Lorraine leaves behind her daughters Judith (Gerald Bosshardt), Janice (David Carpenter), Nancy (Ryan Jenks), Mary ( the late William Kautz), and son, James (Carla Thompson), ten grandchildren, and sixteen great- grandchildren; her close cousins, Dorothy Losinski and Mildred Wachowiak; and her closest childhood friend, Betty Schneider.

Lorraine was preceded in death by her husband, John E. (Jack) Thompson; her parents, Florence and Leo B. Perszyk; her brother, Leon (Bud) Perszyk; and son-in-law, William (Bill) Kautz.

Born and raised in Winona, Lorraine was the daughter of Leon and Florence (Lilla) Perszyk. She married John E. (Jack) Thompson on October 7, 1942, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Winona. Lorraine was a graduate of Cathedral High School and worked alongside her husband at their independently owned neighborhood grocery stores before Jack managed the Red Owl Food Store, and later Valley Home and Farm Supply Co. Lorraine worked part time at the Red Owl demonstrating food samples and ended her career working in the catalog department at JC Penney. Lorraine was known for her pleasant smile and cheerful personality. Lorraine was a devoted daughter who had cared for her own mother until her death at 102. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who always saw the positive side of everyone.

Lorraine was a life-long member of the Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka, a member of Harvest House, a past president of the Winona VFW Post 1287, a volunteer at St Anne Extended Healthcare, and she enjoyed her bridge partners at Westfield.  Lorraine continued to make new friends and spread cheer as a resident at Callista Court. Lorraine had a life-long commitment to the Virgin Mary and prayed the rosary daily. Her children and grandchildren often asked her to pray to the Virgin Mary on their behalf. She was strong in her Catholic faith.

Visitation will be held from 10 AM until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM on Saturday, May 20, 2017, at the Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka.  The Reverend Monsignor Thomas J. Hargesheimer will officiate.

Lorraine will be laid to rest in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Lorraine’s grandchildren.

Memorial gifts will be recommended to the Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka, Callista Court Assisted Living Center or your personal choice.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to Dr. Daniel Parker and his staff, Winona Hospice Services, and the staffs of Callista Court and St. Anne’s for the excellent and loving care they gave to Lorraine.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Lorraine’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.

Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.