Lori Ann Richgels, 50, of Green Bay, Wisconsin, passed away on April 19, 2024. She was born on July 23, 1973, in Wausau, Wisconsin, to Lorraine (Baumann) and Stan Olejniczak.
She was survived by daughter, Lia Richgels; parents, Lorraine (Baumann) and Stan Olejniczak; a sister, Lynn Grych (James Wipperfurth). She was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Jerry Grych, and her loving companion pets, “Gilbert” and “Lexi”.
Lori was a devoted mother to her daughter, Lia Richgels, of 17 years. She cherished every moment spent supporting Lia in her volleyball games and activities, demonstrating unwavering love and dedication as a mother and a friend. Lori’s gentle smile and kind heart touched the lives of many, leaving a lasting impact on those around her.
She graduated from Newman High School in Wausau, Wisconsin, and later earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. Lori devoted 26 years of service to the State of Wisconsin Department of Corrections.
Lori’s commitment to her family and friends was unparalleled, always offering support and kindness without expecting anything in return. She was a woman of faith and a devoted Catholic who worshipped at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Green Bay. She found joy in spending time with loved ones, especially during Christmas, not for the gift giving but the carrying on of family traditions.
Lori’s favorite past-time was following her daughter’s passion for volleyball, traveling endless hours across the state for tournaments and tryouts and banquets. Their road time to these events was not mother-daughter time behind the windshield, but rather the laughter and storytelling of two “true friends”. Lori also treasured the annual camping trips to her sister’s camper at Crystal Lake, memories treasured by all.
Funeral services for Lori will be held at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 2040 Hillside Ln., Green Bay, on Friday, April 26th, with the State of Wisconsin Department of Correction Honor Guard in attendance. The visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Friday at the church with the Rev. Adam Bradley officiating. There will be a private burial at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Kronenwetter, WI at a later date. To view the livestream of the services, please go to Proko-Wall Funeral Home’s Facebook page. Online condolences may be given at www.prokowall.com.
Proko-Wall Funeral Home, located at 1630 East Mason St., Green Bay, WI, assisted the family with the funeral arrangements, as well as Nature’s Best Floral & Boutique, Green Bay, WI. In lieu of flowers, other expressions of sympathy would be appreciated, such as donations to the UW Carbone Cancer Research Center.
Lori Ann Richgels will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her legacy of love and kindness will live on in the hearts of those she touched.