Obituaries

Lorraine Kohlert, 91 of St. Charles, Illinois, passed away peacefully at Brighton Gardens in St. Charles on September 6, 2021, of complications from Alzheimer’s disease.

While the disease took a toll on her abilities, it never took away her joy or love of people.  She enjoyed her final years even as the disease progressed; and her outgoing and fun-loving personality was evident until the end.

Born in Melrose Park, Illinois, May 1, 1930, to Joseph and Angela Vercell, she graduated from Proviso East in 1948.  Lorraine worked at Meyercord, and the AT&T as a telephone operator.

In 1953, she married Henry Kohlert, and moved to St. Charles, where she lived until her passing.

Lorraine was an energetic mother of six children, and always found time to join in many activities throughout her life including leading Cub Scouts, the Red Hat Ladies, the Homemakers, and Telephone Operators group, and other social groups.

Lorraine was a talented painter later in life and enjoyed creating other forms of art as well.  She was a lifelong learner; even learning to play a musical instrument for the first time at the age of 82.

Lorraine and Henry were avid campers and travelled the country in their RV’s, often spending winters in Florida.  For years they travelled with the “Bus Nuts” all over the Midwest and Southern United States.

Lorraine was a dedicated member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church for over 60 years, where she had many friends and participated in many activities.

Survived by her six children, Gloria (Edward) Geske, Thomas (Karon Impson), James (Jill), Jeffrey (Carla), John (Nora), and Christopher (Mae), along with 14 grandchildren, William Geske, Patrick (Natalie) Geske, James Kohlert, Jr., Kelly(John) Patterson, Stephanie, Jesse(Lisa), Michael, Casey Kohlert, Josephine Kohlert, Grace Kohlert, Christopher Kohlert, Ashley (Luke) Dettlo, Michelle Kohlert, and Ian Kohlert; and 6 great grandchildren, and 1 great great-grandchild. Also survived by her sisters, Joan Lorenzo, Delores (Joseph) Rippin and brother Joseph (Sue) Vercell.  Preceded in death by her husband Henry, her sister Marian Krueger, brother Anthony Vercell, and her parents, Joseph and Angela Vercell.

The family wishes to thank the caring staff at Brighton Gardens who loved and took care of Lorraine as though she was their own mother. They also would like to extend their appreciation to Traditions Hospice for her care in her final weeks.

Visitation on Thursday, September 9, 2021, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. and Friday, September 10, 2021, from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. at Yurs Funeral Home, 405 East Main Street.  Funeral Mass on Friday, September 10, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 400 Cedar Street, St. Charles.

Contributions may be made to St. Patrick Catholic Church, 6N487 Crane Road, St. Charles, IL 60175; or The Alzheimer’s Association, 8430 W. Bryn Mawr Ave, Suite 800, Chicago, IL  60631

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