Loraine I. Tichenor

      Loraine Ivan Tichenor, 93, of Sparta, was called to rest on Saturday, April 1, 2017 at Morrow Memorial Home, Sparta.  He was born on August 25, 1923 in Sparta to Victor and Esther (Wegner) Tichenor.  He grew up in the area of Big Creek of Sparta.

     On June 12, 1948 he married Theresa Schmitz at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Sparta.  In their 68 years together the couple raised 5 children and worked very hard on their family farm.  

     Loraine had a love for polka music and the two would regularly be seen 'cuttin the rug' at all hours.  Loraine had a flare for farming as well.  He worked for others on various farms in the Sparta area and was able to purchase his own in Isham Valley.  After Loraine retired from farming, he kept busy by working at Jubilee Foods, Sparta Co-Op, and Arbie Feeds.  Loraine was also treasurer for the Angelo Township for 11 years, served on various agricultural boards, and was a member of the Sparta Lions.  In his spare time he enjoyed volunteering his time to play his harmonica and watching his garden flourish.  He was very proud of the fact that in his later years, he learned to use a computer and even sent a lot of emails!

     Loraine is survived by his wife, Theresa of Sparta; his children, James (special friend, Kathy Strasser) Tichenor of Arpin, WI, Larry Tichenor of Sparta, Debbie (Mike) Kewin of Tucson, AZ, Amy Speers of Onalaska, and Valerie (Bill) Semann of Norwalk; 9 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; his brothers, Earl Tichenor of Bangor, WI, Louis (Polly) Tichenor of Spring Green, WI, and Phillip (Jo) Tichenor of North Brooklyn Park, MN; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents and a grandson, Scottie.

     The family would like to thank the wonderful care Loraine received from the Gundersen Clinic staff, the Morrow Memorial Home staff, Melissa Revels, and Amber Oshan.   A very special thank you also goes to Shirley and Numan "Shorty" Waddell for always being there to help.

     A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 6, 2017 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Sparta, with Father Keith Kitzhaber officiating.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.

     Family and friends are invited to call from 9:30 a.m. until time of services on Thursday at the church.  

     The Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements. 

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