Lorraine (Lorre) Mae Janacek, 87, passed away peacefully at Marshfield Medical Center in Eau Claire on Sunday, March 2, 2025 with family at her side. She had resided at Cambridge Senior Living, Rice Lake.

Lorre’s husband Chuck died in 2023. The couple had been married 66 years. Chuck and Lorre’s bond began at age 5 when each were kindergartners attending Burnham Elementary School in Cicero, IL. The couple married June 30, 1956. The Janacek’s favorite life song was Somewhere My Love, which aptly described their life-long, unending love for each other.

Lorre was born June 29, 1937 in Chicago to Sylvester and Mae Zelenka. As a mother, Lorre was known as “June Cleaver”, the stay-at-home 1960’s “Leave it to Beaver” TV show mom who managed daily family matters. A quiet woman with a bullfighters resolve, Lorre successfully overcame many major health issues throughout her life. She prevailed over polio as a child, knee replacement of both knees and installation of a pacemaker and defibulator plus a new heart valve.Lorre fell and broke her neck in 2019 then was told by doctors she had only one year to live.

Chuck and Lorre made a major life change when they moved the family from Downers Grove, IL to Rice Lake in 1973 while their two daughters were in high school. The Janacek’s owned Bits of Yesteryear Antiques, Rice Lake for many years. Known for being perfectionists, the Janacek’s were unwavering when it came to quality. Lorre’s role was furniture stain applicator and refinisher at which she excelled. Customers from all 50 states entered the shop during the business’ duration. Despite being “Chicagoan’s”, Chuck and Lorre were avid fans of the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers and Wisconsin Badgers.

Survivors are two daughters, Karen Schoonover (David), Rice Lake and Debra Bartels (Bruce), Eau Claire. Grandchildren include Jeff Schoonover, Rice Lake and Ben Schoonover, Las Vegas, NV, Candice Schindler (Jake) and Colleen Bartels, Eau Claire and one great-grandchild, Aaron Schindler.

Funeral Services will be held Monday, March 10, 2025 at 2PM at Appleyard’s Home for Funerals, Rice Lake with Bethany Lutheran Church Lead Pastor Arthur Bergren officiating. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service at Appleyard’s Home for Funerals. Lorre will be laid to rest in Nora Cemetery next to the family grave site of both Chuck and Lorre’s parents.

The family wishes to extend appreciation to Nurses Cathy, Cyndi and Dakota as well as Dr. Nowazand the caring staff at Marshfield Medical Center, Eau Claire; Cambridge Senior Living, Rice Lake; Pastor Arthur Bergren and Jon Tillung, Appleyard’s Home for Funerals. The family could not have endured these difficult times without their support.

Last Update: Mar 07, 2025 1:22 pm CST