Born to Eternal Life on December 24th, 2017 at the age of 88. Beloved wife of (the late) Robert. Loving mother of James (Kristina), Thomas (Carol), Wayne (Carla), and Mark (Karen). Cherished grandmother of John (Laura), Lisa (Jeff), Joel (Joy), Jessica (Antony), and Robert (Melissa). Great-grandmother of Ivy, Isaac, Quinlan, Daniel, Gabriel and Jacob. Further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Preceded in death by 3 brothers, 1 sister and a special sister-in-law June Nelson. Lorraine "Larry" was born on Nov. 18, 1929 to Mary and Albert Nelson in Pray, WI, near Black River Falls. She was raised on the family farm in Pray and shared many adventures with her younger brother, Dale. During the Second World War, Lorraine moved to Milwaukee where she met and married Robert Wiedenhoeft. The post-war housing crunch saw Robert and Larry move their growing family from a third-floor walkup on the North Side, to a trailer near what is now Greenfield Park, to a cottage on Coldspring Road. In 1958 they bought a modest West Allis home with just enough room to raise four boys. Larry kept that house spotless to her last day. Larry's energy level was an inspiration to all that knew her. In addition to wife, mother, and homemaker, she worked many years for Allis Chalmers and, later, American State Equipment. When she and Robert hosted Christmas parties for the extended Wiedenhoeft and Nelson families, plates and platters were quickly emptied of her homemade cookies and fudge. Her lemon merengue pie was legendary. She was tenacious in her devotion to God and her family. She was a member of Woodlawn Evangelical Lutheran Church since 1958, was an active member of the Ladies Aid, and attended church regularly until her death. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother and very proud of all that her family had accomplished. Her sense of style was in keeping with her personality. She was modest, but sure to look her best whatever the circumstance right down to accessorizing her oxygen tank. She was a woman of preferences. In her younger years she preferred the music of Perry Cuomo over that of Frank Sinatra. Later, it was Jon Bon Jovi over Neil Diamond. Mostly, she preferred to spend time with family and friends, making new memories or reminiscing over old ones. She was a natural storyteller and conversationalist who had mastered the underappreciated art of listening. She was lifelong learner with an infectious curiosity. She loved nature and watching birds and butterflies, hearkening back to her days on the farm. A visitation will be held on Friday, December 29th at Woodlawn Evangelical Lutheran Church 2217 S. 99th St. West Allis 53227 from 9 am to 11 am followed by a funeral service at 11 am. She is now reunited in Heaven with her beloved husband, Robert.