Lorraine A. Velic

Milwaukee, Wisconsin- (Nee Michalek) Age 89, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2023.  She was born September 17, 1933, in Milwaukee to the daughter of the late Joseph and Sophie (Nee Krizan) Michalek. Her parents came from Slovakia to build a better life in America. Lorraine grew up in Milwaukee off of Cherry Street around a close Slovak community of St. Michael’s Slovak Parish of friends and family during the 1930’s and 1940’s. She attended Girl’s Tech, which is no longer in existence. She worked at Schuster’s Department Store in the 40’s. Her senior year, she met the love of her life, the late Joseph L. Velic, who also came from Slovakia.  Together, they danced at the Eagle’s Club until they were married in 1952. Lorraine and Joseph were married for almost 35 years when her soul mate went home to the Lord at age 56. She NEVER remarried and stayed devoted to her one and only love for 36 more years until the Lord called her home.

Lorraine began a long career as a dental receptionist when she was 54 years old.  She dedicated her many years to a wonderful employer and who she would call her “surrogate son” Dr. Roland Wolferstetter.  His Mother, Ingrad, hired Mom and trained her to be a devoted receptionist for the practice for 26 years.  Mom truly enjoyed working by performing all the office duties.  She also enjoyed giving chocolate chip cookies to Dr. Wolferstetter, tempting him to the “sweets side”. She reluctantly retired at age 80 because her body physically could not work anymore, but her mind truly wanted to remain employed.

Greeting her at the gates of heaven were her parents, Joseph and Sophie Michalek, sisters Stella Gellings, Josephine Voss, Marie Bacik, Francis Schultz, brother Joseph Michalek Jr., husband Joseph L. Velic, daughter Joanne M. LaFrombois, grandson Adam Velic, and granddaughter Angel LaFrombois.

She was a true loving matriarch, and she was so proud of her children Linda (Peter) Niles, James (Debra) Velic, Richard Velic, the late Joanne (Michael) LaFrombois, Joseph Velic Jr., and Jodi (Chad) Thomas.

In addition to her joys in life were her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She LOVED her grandchildren and great grandchildren so much and was extremely proud to be a grandma! Her grandchildren include Ryan (Janice) Velic, Andrea (Jake Froelke) Velic , Justin (Elise Eden) Velic, the late Adam Velic, Amy (Michael) Lauber, Danny Velic, Andrew (Katie) Velic, Nicholas (Crystal) Thomas, Taylor Niles, Zachary (Sydney) Thomas, Ciara Thomas (John Czarnecki), Benjamin Thomas (Nashley Curbelo), and the late Angel LaFrombois. Lorraine could always be seen rocking her great- grandchildren with such a tender love and joyous smile.  They include Chase, Cora, and Cameron Lauber, Archer Velic, and Elizabeth, Sophia, Hazel, Eli, Izaiah, Isabella, Gabriel, and Emilia Thomas.  She was awaiting her 13th great grandchild to be born in September.

We would like to thank the Lasata team who took care of our Mom when she was in rehabilitation several times.  We also want to acknowledge all the doctors, nurses, and all the therapists at Ascension Elm Grove hospital and Ascension Home Health (Compassus) who helped her throughout her multiple hospital stays and home rehabilitations. We are in deep gratitude for the entire hospice team from Preceptor Hospice Care.  Without the team of Ashley, Jackie, Father Dean, Kim, Pam, and V (as we called her), Joseph Jr. would not have been able to provide the care at home for our Mom per her wishes.  Finally, gratitude to our brother Joseph Jr. who devoted his life taking care of Mom all her years after Dad passed away.  You are a true example of devotion and commitment!

Please join us as we say “See you later” and celebrate the love and kindness Lorraine brought to this world. A visitation will be held from 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM on Thursday June 29, 2023 at Krause Funeral Home, 9000 West Capitol Drive in Milwaukee. A Catholic mass will be held at St. Margaret Mary,  3970 North 92nd St, Milwaukee on Friday, June 30, 2023 at 10:30 AM, and a Christian Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery afterwards.

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