Lorraine E. Istvanek, 89 of Kenosha, passed away on Friday, November 11, 2016 at Clairidge House in Kenosha.

Born in Kenosha on January 2, 1927, she was the daughter of the late Herman and Martha (Weth) Berlin.

She attended local schools and graduated from Mary D. Bradford High School. Lorraine furthered her education with 2 years at the Junior College of Kenosha-Racine.

On July 3, 1948, she married Matt Istvanek at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. She was his caregiver until he passed away on January 27, 2008.

Lorraine began teaching grades 1-8 in a one room school from 1946-1948 at Liberty Corners and Wood Road Schools in 1948.  She later worked at American Motors for about 30 years and retired in 1982.

She was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church, UAW Local 72 Retirees, and Slovak Catholic Sokol.

Lorraine enjoyed reading, cooking, baking, jigsaw puzzles, and spending time with her family,

She is survived by her three children, Michael (Tammy) Istvanek of Necedah, WI; Diane Istvanek, and Deborah Ann (James) Miles, both of Kenosha along with 6 grandchildren, Bryan (Laura) and Adam (Shyla) Pivovar, Sarah (Aaron) Roberts, Michelle Warner, Stephanie Istvanek, and Michael Istvanek, Jr. and 7 great grandchildren.

She is further survived by her brother, Ervin (Sophie) Berlin of Kenosha.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by 5 brothers, Ernst Berlin, Lee Roy Berlin, Charles Yandt, Elmer Berlin and Herman Berlin, Jr. and 5 sisters, Ruth Wegner, Bernice Gaudio, Dolores Berlin, Esther Kwicinski, and LaVerne Druktines.

Service Info

Funeral Services honoring Lorraine’s life will be held on Saturday, November 19, 2016 beginning with a prayer service at 9:15 a.m. at Piasecki-Althaus Funeral Home, 3720-39th Ave., Kenosha, WI. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 5100 22nd Ave. Interment will follow in St. George Cemetery.