Lorraine Wiesner

May 1, 1926
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July 10, 2019

Lorraine Mary (“Dolly”) Wiesner, Green Bay, passed away Wednesday, July 10, 2019. She was born May 1, 1926, in Green Bay to Edward and Mary (Wirth) Delforge. She attended St. Francis Xavier Grade School and graduated from East High School in 1944.

Dolly worked at Wisconsin Public Service as a billing clerk after graduation. One evening, she and her mother went to a movie and ran into a handsome, young man Dolly knew. He was home after two years in the Army, working at Northern Paper Mills as a machinist. Dolly’s mother made an excuse to take the bus home without her, thus arranging her daughter’s first date with her future husband!

On May 13, 1950, Dolly married Earl E. Wiesner at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral. Soon after, Earl was called back to the Army for two more years, in post-WWII Germany. Dolly continued at WPS until their son, Steve, was born. Earl and Dolly built the home in which they raised their children, and it remained Dolly’s home to this day. She loved being a mom and homemaker, enjoyed their neighborhood and made a number of lifelong friends.

Dolly’s easygoing, fun-loving nature made her the perfect partner for Earl. Their children treasure memories of surprise, last-minute picnics to nearby spots when Dad got home from work on a perfect summer day. An eagerly awaited time of year was Earl’s two weeks of summer vacation. Every day held adventure, mostly trips to favorite beaches and scenic spots, always with Mom’s lovingly packed lunches. She made the holidays joyous with traditions and favorite foods.

During their retirement years, Dolly and Earl spent many happy days exploring Door County. They celebrated 55 years of marriage before Earl’s passing in 2005.

Dolly was a lifelong reader and solved the daily crossword puzzle. She was a member of St. Philip the Apostle Church and sang in the choir. She was proud of the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren, and reveled in family get-togethers. She was the keeper of family history and loved to reminisce.

Dolly is survived by her children: Stephen Wiesner, Ellen (Bill) Buckman, Anne (Wally) Stiles, Edward (Karen) Wiesner, George (Jan) Wiesner, Michael (Mary) Wiesner, and Mary (Mike) Van Matre; grandchildren: Jennifer (Eric) Jonsgaard, Jamie and Jonathan (Rachel) Wiesner; Ryan, Meghan and Emilie Buckman; Sarah Destree; Melissa Wiesner; Joshua and Benjamin Wiesner; Andrew (Heather), Matthew and Casey Wiesner; and Adam and Nicholas Van Matre; great-grandchildren: William, Anna and Evan Jonsgaard and Margaret Wiesner.

She is also survived by her sister-in-law Bonnie Delforge, nieces and nephews.

Dolly was preceded in death by Earl, her parents, her in-laws Edward and Florence (Balza) Wiesner, sister Hyacinth (Ferdinand) Selissen, brothers Milton (Dolores) Delforge, Earl (Florence) Delforge, and Ralph Delforge; brother-in-law Harold (Marion) Wiesner; daughter-in-law Cindy Wiesner and grandson Aaron Wiesner.

Visitation will be Sunday, July 14, 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Proko-Wall Funeral Home, 1630 E. Mason St., with a prayer service at 7:00. Visitation continues at St. Philip the Apostle, 312 Victoria St., on Monday, July 15, 9:30 to 11:00 am. with Rev. William Hoffman officiating the Funeral Mass at 11:00.

The family wants to thank Home Instead caregivers and friends, Cassie and Collette. Heartfelt gratitude to Dolly’s son, Ed, and daughter, Ellen, for their loving daily presence and vigilance, as well as son, Mike, for maintaining Mom’s home and precious traditions.