Lorraine T. Steffes (nee Thennes) , age 86, died May 13, 2006, quietly and with dignity, as she lived. She was born February 14, 1920, to John (“Pa”) and Gertrude Thennes, the youngest of five children (the only one to be born into a house with indoor plumbing). She was preceded in death by siblings Cecilia Winkle, Edward Thennes, Rev. Clarence Thennes, and Elizabeth Gende. Cherished wife of 30 years of the late Herman Steffes. She is survived by three children, Donna Fletcher of Milwaukee, WI, Matthew Keup of Waukegan, and Kathryn (Alan) Kent of Milwaukee, WI. Preceded in death by daughter, Ruth Ball. Lorraine is further survived by grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many friends.
     Some of the joys of her life were playing bridge and dominoes, enjoying friendships, traveling, gardening, walking, and being a lifelong Democrat.
     Lorraine and Herman owned and operated H&R Block in McHenry from 1970 to 1978. She was also a legal secretary, and a secretary and housekeeper for her brother Clarence.
Over the years, Lorraine lived in several places, including McHenry, Warren, Princeton WI, Mesa AR, and Milwaukee WI.
     She was involved in various church activities throughout her life. She found peace in her commitment to the Adoration Chapel at The Church of Holy Apostles. In recent years, she lived at Villa St. Francis in Milwaukee, where she volunteered at the Villa store, and was a communion minister. Her children will always remember “Offer it up”.
     The family thanks Covenant Hospice and special caregivers.
     Friends may greet the family Tuesday, May 16, from 10:30 until the 12 Noon celebration of mass at The Church of Holy Apostles, 5211 W. Bull Valley Rd., McHenry IL 60050. Interment will be in St. Mary Cemetery, McHenry.
     In lieu of flowers, memorials to Habitat for Humanity International, 121 Habitat St., Americus GA 31709-3498; the DNC, www.democrats.org; or Father Carr’s Place 2 B c/o Father Carr, 1965 Oshkosh Ave., Oshkosh WI 54902, would be appreciated by the family.   
     Arrangements were entrusted to George R. Justen & Son Funeral Home, McHenry.
     For information call the funeral home at 815-385-2400 or send an on-line condolence to the family at www.justenfh.com