Lorraine A. Jess

Lorraine Jess, age 95, of Ripon, WI passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 3, 2025 at Maplecrest Manor.

Lorraine was born on August 3, 1929 in Ripon, daughter of Walter “Votch” and Leona (Gatzke) Wahoske. She graduated from Ripon High School in 1947, and from County Normal (Teacher’s College) in 1949. In 1950 she married Eugene Jess in Ripon. Lorraine loved teaching at 2 one-room school houses until the birth of their son, Cooper. Daughter, Connie soon followed. Lorraine and Eugene taught their children the importance of always supporting family, friends, and the community. Volunteering was a way of life for Lorraine.

Lorraine loved to travel, was a voracious reader and loved all card games. She had a passion for Bridge (she learned to play in high school and continued through most of her life). Lorraine enjoyed cooking and trying new recipes. She was never happier then when she was entertaining. The door was always open at the Jess home. Lorraine was someone you could always count on, and will be dearly missed.

Lorraine was very fortunate to make many friends throughout her life; grade school friends, high school friends, Eugene’s work and organization friends, their many boat racing friends, and especially her dear friends and neighbors on Emerson Ave. Lorraine was a devoted member of Our Saviour’s United Church of Christ in Ripon.

Lorraine is survived by her son, Cooper (Mary); daughter, Connie (Charles); Wahoske nieces and nephews, Michael, Rhonda, Marsha, and Matthew; Jess nieces and nephews, Luanne “Punky”, Linda, Lee and their families; along with other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Eugene; brother Ron Wahoske; and nephew, Mark Wahoske

Visitation for Lorraine will be held on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 from 9:00 until 11:30 am at Our Saviour’s United Church of Christ, 343 Scott St., Ripon, WI 54971.

Memorial service for Lorraine will be held at 11:30 am on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at Our Saviour’s United Church of Christ in Ripon, with Rev. Dr. Kevin P. Mundell officiating. Inurnment will follow at Garden of the Cross Cemetery in Ripon. Memorials in her name may be directed to the Ripon Public Library, 120 Jefferson St., Our Saviour’s UCC, 343 Scott St., or the Ripon Historical Society, 508 Watson St., Ripon, WI 54971.