Lorrayne Wick, a former resident of Forest Park and other western suburbs for more than forty years, passed away peacefully in her Hayward, Wisconsin retirement home on June 12. She was 91 years old.
Lorrayne Scott Plagge was born in Duluth, Minn. during the worst snowstorm in Duluth history on February 23, 1922. Lorrayne graduated from Proviso East High School in Maywood. After high school, she toured the United States singing with the White Russian singers. It was on one of these tours that she met her future husband, Kenneth Wick. She and Ken were married in San Diego, CA in 1943. After Ken (a watchmaker and jeweler) returned from the Battle of Midway Island, they opened a jewelry store in Forest Park. At age 56, she earned a Master’s Degree in Art Education from the University of Illinois and accepted the position as Art Director for an Illinois School District. After Lorrayne retired, she moved to her Spider Lake, Wisc. home.
Lorrayne was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Maywood and Melrose Park for many years; and later the Broadview Presbyerian Church. She was active in many civic, church and charitable groups in the western suburbs. She also was a former Secretary of the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce.
Well-known and respected as an artist, photographer, choir member, pianist and educator, she also enjoyed her social clubs, fishing, boating, travel, watching sunsets from her home and spending time with friends. She also had several books and poems published. Lorrayne was an active member of the Philanthropic Education Organization for 58 years.
Lorrayne is survived by her three children, Larry, Bob and Terry; four grandchildren, Ryan, Andy, Hayley and Rikki; and other relatives and many friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ken in 1972, and her parents, Auston and Hazel (Scott) Plagge.
Lorrayne had many times before her death expressed her religious beliefs and philosophy that at the end of her natural life, she desired to pass peacefully from this world, to join her Maker and those of her family and friends who preceded her in death. Surviving relatives and friends are thankful she achieved her desires.
An Illinois service is planned for 10:00 a.m., Thursday, June 27, at Broadview Memorial Presbyterian Church, 2000 W Roosevelt Rd, Broadview, IL, officiated by Pastor Noris Caban. Burial will follow at Forest Home Cemetery. Arrangements were made by Anderson-Nathan-Koerpel Funeral Home, Hayward, Wisc.
Memorials may be directed to Hayward Regional Hospice, 15910W Company Lake Road, Hayward, WI 54843. Online condolence may be left for the family at www.andersonnathan.com.
This article was updated a correct date of death.
