Loraine Margaret Calkins of Rice Lake, WI died peacefully on Monday January 1, 2024. She was 101 years old, and just 3 weeks shy of 102!

Loraine lived a life of kindness, compassion, and love for all. Loraine recognized that there was joy to be found in every day. She knew that small things can matter in a big way and shared that understanding with those whose lives she touched. Loraine was born January 21, 1922, to William and Martha Schmidt, in New Auburn, WI. Her family moved to a farm near Bruce, WI, where she spent her childhood. She graduated from Bruce High School in 1939. Shortly after high school, she met her husband, Herbert Calkins. The story of their meeting is worth repeating: while attending an outdoor movie, a young man named Herb heard a live advertisement for milk strainer pads. He sought to meet the woman behind the voice, so the next day he headed to Vorce & Frogner Hardware Store in Weyerhaeuser, WI, where he found Loraine dusting the shelves. When he jokingly told her she missed a spot, she tossed him the dust cloth! Thus began the courtship! The two were married in St. Charles, MO, on Oct. 19, 1942, while Herb was on a 3 day pass from the Air Force. They started their married life together in Texas, then moved back to Wisconsin, settling in Rice Lake in 1950 where they raised their family. Loraine and Herb enjoyed a full life together. They loved camping, traveling, getting together with friends (often to play cards!). They made many treasured friendships through the years, their time often filled with laughter and crazy antics! Family came first for Loraine. She cherished her time spent with her husband Herb, and with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. For Loraine, family extended beyond her immediate relatives. She welcomed any connections to her siblings and their families, and often shared letters, cards, emails, phone calls and visits from nieces and nephews. Loraine’s friends and their families were vitally important to her, as well as people she met along life’s way. She truly cared about every person who crossed paths with her, listening and appreciating their stories. Making others feel treasured and loved, creating positivity in the spaces she was inhabiting – these came naturally to Loraine. Smells of Loraine’s baking were ever-present in the Calkins home. Her homemade buns, cinnamon rolls, cakes, and cookies were some of the best! Loraine was considered a ‘home-maker’, but her life of service went far beyond her home. She was an active member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Rice Lake, taking part in women’s circle, bible studies, quilting, and teaching Sunday School. She participated in Bridge clubs, and served as a Cub Scout and Brownie leader, volunteered with Meals on Wheels, and spent countless hours visiting with the elderly in nursing homes. Her almost daily coffee clutch groups were a source of support for her and her friends. Loraine had many hobbies, including sewing, making quilts and knitting. Loraine loved to read, and continued to do so on a Kindle when holding a book became a challenge. Her willingness to embrace new experiences and new technology was impressive! Loraine spent 67 years living in Rice Lake, 55 of them with her beloved husband Herb, who passed away in 2005. They had celebrated 63 years of marriage! She continued an active life in Rice Lake until 2017. Loraine then moved to Milestone Senior Living in Hillsboro, WI, where she received tender care from the capable and compassionate staff. She also received outstanding care from St. Croix Hospice. She embraced a whole new circle of friends among the residents and staff at Milestone and St. Croix. We are forever grateful for their part in her life. Loraine always said she was ‘blessed’, but we were all blessed to have her in our lives and she will continue to live on in our hearts always.

Loraine is survived by her 4 children & their families, which includes 8 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren: Kim & Sandy Calkins (Holmen, WI), Amy & Tony Dzieweczynski, Elizabeth, Emily, Max, & Oliver Kirk & Beth Calkins (Elroy, WI), Steph & John Belter, Maddy & Mckenna, Nate & Mary Calkins, Marcus & Juliet Karen & Dave Theis (Hillsboro, WI), Laura Theis & Nick Stelma, Melissa Theis & Talla Fusi Kristi & Jim Torpy (Verona, WI), Tyler & Megan Torpy, Jake, Sara & Everly Torpy, Kenzie, Tanner & Taytum Williams. And her brother, Lowell Schmidt, along with many dear nieces and nephews.

Loraine is preceded in death by her parents and her husband Herb, her siblings & their spouses: Karl & Dorothy Schmidt, Helen & Mike Debner, Norm & Leola Schmidt, Betty Schmidt, Lyle & Nancy Schmidt.

A Memorial Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Rice Lake at 9:30AM followed by a Memorial Service at 11:00AM. A time for lunch and fellowship will be held at the church following the burial at Nora Cemetery in Rice Lake. Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, WI is assisting and serving the family with the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Bethany Lutheran Church, St. Croix Hospice or to a charity of your choice.

Last Update: Jan 04, 2024 12:36 pm CST