Lorraine Splinter

Mary Lorraine Splinter, 90, Weston, died Thursday, February 8, 2018 at Ascension St. Clare’s Hospital, Weston.

Lorraine was born January 6, 1928 in Dubuque, Iowa to the Thomas and Katherine (Burns) Lyons.  She is a 1946 graduate of St. Columbkille Catholic School in Dubuque.  Lorraine married Joseph Splinter and the couple were the proud parents of five children: Mike, Rick, Mark, Mary Jo and Patrick.  Joseph died on September 3, 2001.  In addition to being a very loving mother, she volunteered over 1000 hours at Wausau Hospital and St. Clare’s Hospital over the course of her life.

Lorraine was a very intelligent and independent woman who was a devout Catholic and loved being a mother first and foremost.  She was never a needy person and enjoyed caring for others.  Lorraine was a proud member of the American Contract Bridge League and master level Duplicate Bridge player.  She taught bridge and continued to play online with her computer or iPad and until very recently.  Lorraine also loved being the social glue wherever she lived; either in her neighborhood organizing block parties or teaching line dancing at Birchwood Highland Apartments.  Following retirement, she was always on the go traveling to Florida, Arizona, Canada and other places visiting friends and playing in bridge tournaments.

Lorraine is survived by her children, Mike (Judy) of Stevens Point, Rick (Cathy) of Chatam, NJ, Mark (Barb) of Wausau, Mary Jo (Chris) Gritzmacher of Wausau and Patrick (Colleen O’Neill) of Edina, MN; 15 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren and one more due later this year; sister, Irene McDermott of Dubuque, IA; very dear friend, Germayne Matzke of Wausau; and extended family and friends.  She is preceded in death by her brother and 2 sisters.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Lorraine will be at 12:00 PM on Tuesday, February 13, 2018 at St. Matthew Catholic Parish, Wausau.  Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until the time of service at the church on Tuesday.  Burial will be at Restlawn Memorial Park.  Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements; you may sign our family guestbook at helke.com.

A sincere word of appreciation goes to the nurses and staff of the Intensive Care Unit of Ascension St. Clare’s Hospital for the skillful and compassionate care for Lorraine during the last days of her life.