"My sympathies to her family and many friends. Willie was a delightful lady, and will be greatly missed. "
In loving memory of
Lorraine I. (Willie) Taylor
September 23, 1927 - July 28, 2016
Lorraine I. (Willie) Taylor, 88, died peacefully at her lake home in Okoboji, Thursday, July 28, 2016.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, August 1, 2016, at Trinity Lutheran Church, with Pastor Eric Hauan officiating. Visitation will be held for 2 hours prior, from 12 to 2 p.m. on Monday also at the church. Interment will be held in East Lawn Cemetery.
Lorraine Inez Willrett, the daughter of Albert R. and Anna G. (Wibben) Willrett was born September 23, 1927, on the family farm, 2 miles east and a quarter mile south of Fenton. She grew up attending a country school the first couple of years, then parochial school through the eighth grade and graduated from Fenton high School in 1945.
Willie loved to dance. It was during one of her outings at the local ballrooms that she met Mitch J. Taylor. The love between them grew and the couple later married in Algona on December 28, 1946. To this union six children were born. Together the couple owned and operated Algona Flour & Feed. Willie and Mitch loved to golf and travel. They spent their summers in Okoboji, many of their winters in Florida, and later in Arizona visiting family and friends.
Her activities throughout the years included being in the church choir for over 60 years and choir director for the Thursday School. She was a former Trinity Women president, Charter member of the Eve circle, Secretary of the Cradle Role, and she started the Cherub Choir. Willie was a member of the hospital auxiliary, she was a hospital volunteer, and drove for Meals on Wheels. Her great friends have always been her church, bridge club, and sewing club friends.
Willie Taylor lived everyday with zest. Her spunky attitude and positive outlook were infectious to her family and all those that surrounded her. Willie had a love for life and a determination that was unmatched. She was a role model for her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She loved playing bridge and happy hour visits with her friends while in Algona. Willie enjoyed spending summers in Okoboji, sitting in her lookout watching the lake, reading a good book, going for boat rides, or just taking in her surroundings. Every Okoboji memory is filled with Willie's smile and laughter.
She is survived by her children, Linn (William) Passick of Mesa, AZ and Okoboji, IA, Larry (Jeanne) Taylor of Urbandale, IA, Jean Pratt of Schertz, TX, Jacque (John) Hoch of Knoxville, IA, JoAnn (Gerald) Schultz of McQueeny, TX and Lisa (Larry) Westberg of Algona; fourteen grandchildren; thirty four great-grandchildren; sister, Kathryn Gross of Phoenix, AZ; sisters-in-law, Lettie Willrett of Texas, and Patricia Taylor of Algona, as well as many other family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Mitch Taylor; granddaughter, Kari Westberg; brother, Carroll Willrett and brother-in-law, Richard Gross.
Tributes
"Prayers and sympathy Jo, Lisa and families."
"Lorraine will be greatly missed by family and friends. I knew her through her sister, Katheryn, my sister-in-law. Prayers to all the family. Roseann Gross Gifford"
"I extend my deepest sympathy. "
"We send our deepest heartfelt sympathy to Lorraine's family. Dale & Elaine Price (Edna Mae Wibben Price, Anna's sis, son)"
"Oh,Lisa. I am so sorry."
"For Linn and Bill and the entire Taylor family. I remember Willie from her winters in Arizona and at her Okoboji home. A lively and gracious lady and a good Bridge player! My sympathy to you all. Dessa Hutchins"
"My favorite Aunt because she was always so full of life and laughter and so easy to talk with. Her picture says it all. We were all so blessed to have Aunt Lorraine in AZ during the winters for so many years. She always was so proud and beamed when she spoke of her children, grand-children and so many great grand-children. She had such a wonderful heart and we are so excited that she will again see her beloved Mitch, Kari, and Carroll. You've got your hole-in-one in heaven watching over the rest of us that will truly miss you. Gail Feeny"
"I only met Willie once while she was visiting in Texas, and she was such a delight. I know she will be missed terribly by all her family and friends. You are in my thoughts and prayers."
"My first memories of Lorraine are from the job I had tying bales. She was the tractor driver pulling the baler. She was very helpful, and tried to keep an even flow of hay and straw in the baler. Her sister Kitty was good also. We will miss seeing her at worship. We thank God for her faith in Christ. It was great to get reacquainted when we returned to Iowa. Sincere sympathy to all family members. "
"To the Taylor family. I am saddened to hear of your loss. Lorraine was a sweet spirit , very loving and kind. My mother, Shirley Gross, and Lorraine were great friends throughout their high school years and have kept in touch with each other. My mother is saddened too, she said when I called her yesterday oh no! She said I have very few of my classmates left. Mom is 88. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers."
"I did not Lorraine very long, always at church on Sat. evening and a beautiful voice to follow singing and a smile on her face. Will miss her sitting ahead of us Bonnie Riggert"
"Aunt Willie, so hard to believe you are gone , but know you are in heaven watching over all your family and with Uncle Mitch again. Over the years, we all were one big family, and you will be truly missed. You were there for me when my Father passed away and were the first to be with my Mom when my brother passed, so thank you for everything and you will always be in my thoughts and prayers! Ann Taylor-Christman"
"Aunt Lorraine... My favorite aunt. So hard to believe she is gone. What a wonderful strong woman, mother and grandmother she was. I know personally how much she loved and missed her special husband, Mitch (as my sisters and I fondly called hunka Mitch as small children) How proud she was of all her children and Grandchildren. She will be missed and remembered with great fondness. "