Obituaries & Guestbook

On August 28, 2023, on a beautiful, late summer afternoon, Lorraine Paula (nee Paasch) Grunwald, 96, passed away peacefully and was ushered into heaven by her Lord and those who went before her.

Lorraine (Rainy) was born on May 1, 1927 to Walter and Anna (nee Gartman) Paasch, at the family home on Spruce Court in Sheboygan. Shortly after, her family moved to Lorraine’s maternal grandfather’s farm in the Town of Wilson where she spent her childhood and young adult years. Lorraine graduated from Oostburg High School. On November 2, 1946 she married Milton Grunwald at Trinity, Town of Wilson.

Lorraine and Milton started their lives together working side by side, running Greenbaum Cheese Factory in Sheboygan Falls. In 1950, along with daughters, Barbara and Susan, the couple moved to the Black River area in Sheboygan, where they had two more daughters, Betty and Gail. Lorraine lived in her Lonesome Pine home for over 70 years, raising their 4 daughters, and welcoming eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren for family holidays and summer vacations over many decades.

Lorraine was a doer, never a moment wasted. She served her congregation her entire life singing in the choir, acting as Secretary, founding the Prayer Quilt Program, helping to organize rummage sales, and participating in the Mary Martha Guild. She was a waitress at Johnny’s Supper Club and Bersch’s in Black River for many years. But mostly, she was known far and wide as a knowledgeable gardener at home, and for 45 years at Caan’s Floral (Waldheim Nursery). Her deep knowledge and care for flowers, vegetables and all plants helped innumerable aspiring gardeners.

Lorraine loved ‘schlucks’ of beer and splitting a hamburger with her granddaughters. She thought wearing gardening gloves was shame-worthy, throwing away an apple core was a waste, and reminded every grandchild that any injury endured would be “better by the time they got married.” She loved her “faithful” John Deere riding mower, singing low harmony in her church choir, and weeding her flowerbeds during quiet summer evenings. And, she’d never turned down ice cream, never ever, especially if butter pecan or a grasshopper ice cream drink was available.

The last few years of Lorraine’s life were a struggle with injuries and the grip of dementia. As memories of a well-lived life faded and confusion took hold, she continued to chat her way through conversations with smiles and the sparkle of her blue eyes. Lorraine cherished the care and comfort from her daughters, grandkids, and friends through her final years at Pine Haven where she was loved and nurtured by residents and staff in Oostburg, Covenant Home, and finally Haven Drive. To the many caretakers, neighbors and friends, the Grunwald girls extend their thanks.

Lorraine is survived by four daughters, Barbara Sommerfeldt, Susan (Randy) Charles, Betty (Tony) Torres, and Gail (John) Bernardi; eight grandchildren, David (Kristin) Sommerfeldt, Debra (Paul) Dixon, Jennifer (Ben) Charles, Stephanie Charles, Erica (Ricardo) Garcia, Anna (Brian) Jouan, Gregory Bernardi, and Cara Bernardi; and nine great-grandchildren, Elle and Maya Dixon, Elsa and Sadie Berg, Zachary, Nia and Cai Sommerfeldt, Walter and Stella Jouan. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, infant daughter, sister Veona Gartman, and many other extended family members.

Most memorable is that Lorraine never stopped being Lorraine – full of vim and vigor. A lady always on the go, even from her burgundy wheelchair. She kept all who loved her on their toes until her last breath. Her spunk, even during tough times, will be missed.

Visitation and funeral services for Lorraine will be held Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at Christ Lutheran Church, 3816 S. 12th St., Sheboygan. Visitation will be held from 10:00 am until 12:30 pm; funeral services will follow at 1:00 pm. Burial will take place immediately following the service at Lutheran Cemetery. Memorials can be made to Christ Lutheran Church.