Lorraine Thompson, age 95, a lifelong resident of Earl, died peacefully Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at the family farm surrounded by her family.

Lorraine was born at home on January 7, 1931, in Trego Township to parents Aurthur and Elizabeth Ione (Yeazle) Butenhoff. She grew up in Veazie and attend grade school in Trego and graduated from Spooner High School in 1949. On August 3, 1949, she was united in marriage to Dean Thompson at the Trego Community Church. When they were married, Dean was in the US Navy, and the couple moved to San Francisco. After Dean’s discharge, they moved back to Wisconsin, and in 1954, they built their house in Earl and made that their permanent residence.

Lorraine drove school bus for 41 years, beginning with Earl School and eventually retiring from Badger Buses in Spooner. Lorraine was a member of the Trego Community Church, sang in the Community Choir, Sweet Adelines, and for many weddings and funerals throughout the years. In the outdoors, she farmed with Dean where she loved the baby pigs, calves, and chickens, also enjoyed her garden, and picking natures berries and nuts.

Lorraine is survived by her children: Barbara Koditek, Lennie (Anita) Thompson, Mark (Gloria) Thompson, grandchildren; Cheryl (Eric) Miller, Rachel (David) Davis, Travis (Kandace) Thompson, Trevor (Danielle) Thompson, great grandchildren: Ande, Kolton, Brody, Gavin, Dawson, Julia, Elizabeth, Emily, Isabelle, Evelyn, Charlie, MacKenzie, and special friend Charles Kruger.

Lorraine is preceded in death by her husband Dean, parents, brother Lloyd Butenhoff, sister Bertha Gruenhagen, and several nieces and nephews.

Graveside services for Lorraine will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 11am at the Earl Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Namekagon United Church of Christ in Earl.

Honorary casket bearers will be Travis, Trevor, Greg, Kurt, Craig, Jerry, and Keith.

Last Update: Jul 27, 2026 10:20 am CDT