Lorraine Ione Waterhouse

Lorraine Ione Waterhouse, 88 of Chetek passed away Thursday April 2, 2015 at Mayo Clinic Health System in Barron with her daughter Marcia and daughter-in-law Eileen at her side.  Lorraine was born July 11, 1926 in Dovre Township, the 9 ^th of 11 siblings of John and Emma Knutson.

Lorraine grew up on the family farm on the banks of the Red Cedar River.  She attended grade school at the Washington School and graduated from Chetek High School in May of 1942.  She attended vocational school in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.  Her first job was in the office of Pressure Cooker of Eau Claire.  She stayed with her sister Vi and her husband Clarence while their son Doug was sick in August of 1945.  She worked for L.P. Charles, Attorney at Law in Chetek for a year and then returned to Eau Claire and was employed by Personal Finance Company.

Lorraine met Leighton Waterhouse in November of 1940 at a Parent Teacher’s Association meeting at the County Line School.  Lorraine and her sisters, Jean and Joanne, sang “You Are My Sunshine” as part of the program.  Leighton and Lorraine corresponded from that time on.  Leighton graduated from Colfax High School in 1941 and worked at an airplane factory in San Diego, California until he began a tour of duty in World War II.  He was discharged from the service on May 31, 1946.  May 31, 1947 Lorraine and Leighton were married at Pine City, Minnesota with Delores and Wayne Waterhouse as attendants.  They lived Eau Claire until 1948 when they moved to Chetek.

Leighton started the Rod & Gun Shop in Chetek.  Lorraine did the bookwork for the business as well as worked at the Chetek Agency Insurance Company for several years.  Lorraine continued doing the bookwork for the family business for many years.  She was also active in the community.  In 1966 Lorraine was appointed by the City Council to the Chetek Housing Authority Board.  In 1971 she resigned from the Board to become Executive Director of Housing units, a post she held for a number of years.  She was the first woman elected to the Church Council of Chetek Lutheran Church.   She served a three year term beginning in 1974.

While doing all this, she found time to not only raise 6 children but to enjoy time with her friends.  Lorraine was active on her bowling league as well as very active in her Church circle and ladies aid groups.

Lorraine is survived by her six children; Luanne (Bob) Peter, Marcia (Edmund) Manydeeds, Greg (Robin) Waterhouse, Dale (Janet) Waterhouse, Jerry (Eileen) Waterhouse, Daniel (Jana) Waterhouse, sixteen grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and one sister Vivian Stensby.  She is preceded in death by her husband who passed July 6, 1993, parents, six sisters, three brothers and one grandchild, Kelly Manydeeds.  Also survived by other relatives and many friends.

The Funeral Service for Lorraine will be at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, April 7, 2015 at Chetek Lutheran Church with Pastor Guy Redfield officiating.   Lorraine’s family will greet guests one hour prior to the service at church.  Interment will take place at Lake View Cemetery following the service.  Please join the family for continued fellowship and luncheon in the church fellowship hall immediately after.  View and sign the online guestbook at www.burnhamours.com .

In memory of Lorraine, contributions can be made to: Chetek Lutheran Church, in her honor.