Lorraine Raddatz

Lorraine Alma Hertha Raddatz, age 97, of Merrill, passed away on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at Bell Tower Residence Assisted Living in Merrill, while under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services.  She was born on February 25, 1926 in Wausau, WI, and was the daughter to the late Arthur and Elfrieda (Lambrecht) Porath.  Lorraine married the love of her life, Victor Raddatz, on May 3, 1947 in the town of Maine.  Sadly, he passed away on April 10, 2019; a union lasting over 70 years.

When she was younger, Lorraine enjoying being a housewife, staying home to care for her three boys.  She then went on to work at Weinbrenner Shoe Factory in Merrill for many years.  Lorraine would also babysit children for friends and family, and enjoyed going on walks and was an excellent baker.  She was a talented seamstress, and would alter clothing, as well as doing washing and ironing for friends and family.  Lorraine was a giving woman that would volunteer her time with Bethesda.  Later in life, she loved working on crossword puzzles and playing Samba.  Lorraine was a lifelong member at Faith Lutheran Church, and served on the Altar Guild.  She will be sadly missed, but never forgotten.

Lorraine is survived by her sons: Kenneth (Nancy) Raddatz of Merrill, WI, Jim (Jeri) Raddatz of Wausau, WI and Glenn (Mary) Raddatz of White Bear Lake, MN, 9 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, sisters: Shirley Olkives and Pearl Sabatke, both of Merrill, brother: Robert (Bernice) Porath and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband: Victor Raddatz, great granddaughter: Amber Schmidt, sisters: Grace (Arnold) Raddatz, Lavilla (Albert) Steckling and Charlotte (Roman) Labarge, brothers: Ronald (Phyllis & Veronica) Porath, Otto (Selma) Porath and Melvin (Pat) Porath and brother-in-laws: Leslie Sabatke, Clifford Sabatke and Alan Olkives.

The funeral service for Lorraine will be held on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at 11:00am at Faith Lutheran Church in the Town of Maine.  Pastor Donald Love will officiate.  Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 from 10:00am until the time of the service, also at the church.  Burial at Maple Grove Cemetery in the town of Maine will immediately follow the service.

For those unable to attend, the service will be recorded and available for viewing on 1/17/24 under her obituary on the funeral home website.

In lieu of flowers, family would prefer donations in Lorraine’s name be directed to Faith Lutheran Church.

Family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to the staff at Inclusa, Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services and Bell Tower Residence Assisted Living for all of the care and compassion shown to Lorraine and her family over the years.

Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.