J. Lorraine Keister, age 88 of Wiota passed away Thursday, Dec. 22, 2016 at the Lafayette Manor in Darlington surrounded by her family.  She was born on March 29, 1928 in Darlington the daughter of John and Clara (Steger) Reichling. Lorraine graduated from Darlington High School in 1946. She was united in marriage to Harry Keister, Jr. on Sept. 3, 1949 at Immanuel United Church of Christ in Darlington. Lorraine grew up in Darlington. Following her marriage, she moved to Wiota where she resided for 65 years. Lorraine worked at Wiota Dairy Co-Op until it was sold. She then went to work for Borg Instruments in Darlington and later became cook for the S.U.N. Program in South Wayne.  Lorraine retired in 1992.
Lorraine is survived by her 4 children: Georgia Colney of Clearwater, Fla., Randall (Joni) Keister of Evansville, Charles (Joanie) Keister of Darlington, and Terry (Regina) Keister of Oak Creek; 9 grandchildren: Max (Lauren) Colney, Andrea (Dave) Havorka, Alyssa (Alex) Milsap, Andrew (Lane McQueen) Keister, Zachary and Matthew (Nicole Torow) Keister, Brandy and Jennifer Anderson, and Jared (Amber) Anderson; 4 great-grandchildren: Lorelei and Mason Colney and Wesley and Bay Anderson. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Harry on July 24, 1984; and 3 brothers: Gaylord Reichling, Jerome Reichling (as a child), and Gerald Reichling (in infancy).
Lorraine was a life-long member of Immanuel United Church of Christ in Darlington, its Women’s Guild, and quilting group. She served on the Board for Miller Cemetery from 1984 until 2015. Lorraine also served on the Executive Board of The Home Community Education program and was a Charter and lifelong member of the Wiota Happy Homemakers. She attended the Housewives Convention faithfully for many years, was a member of Wiota Fireman’s Auxiliary, and a past member of the Red Hat Society. She was very proud of the fact that over the years she has donated 17 gallons of blood. Lorraine was an avid sports fan and loved spending many-a-day attending her kids’ and grandkids’ ball games over the years as well as many Wiota Home Talent baseball games. She also loved to watch the Redbirds play football from the hill up until she was 86 years old. Lorraine will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by her family and friends.
A funeral service will be held Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Immanuel United Church of Christ (339 E. Louisa St, Darlington) with Rev. Barbara Brakey officiating. Burial will be in Miller Cemetery in Wiota. A visitation was held Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2016 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Erickson Funeral Home (508 Main Street, Darlington) and on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. at the church. Online Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.