Lorraine J. Hand, formerly of Prophetstown, IL, passed from this life on Saturday, January 27, 2024. She was 92 years old and resided at Homestead of Morrison, IL.
She was born March 10, 1931, in Sterling, IL, to J. Wallace and Jean (Vandenberg) Mathew. She attended Round Grove school and graduated from Morrison High School in 1948. She attended Northern Illinois University for two years. She taught school at McAllister, “a one room school,” and at Riverdale Elementary. In 1951, she married Donald Hand, and they began farming in Hume Township. Lorraine was a member of Prophetstown United Methodist Church. She was an active community member, serving as an Election Judge, Hume Township Clerk, and on School Boards of Crest View and later Prophetstown-Lyndon Unit School District #3. Lorraine was involved in Whiteside Home Extension and the Red Meat Connection, and she was 4-H leader in Whiteside County. She was an excellent baker and a gardener of flowers and vegetables. She enjoyed exhibiting at the Whiteside County Fair. Family was most important to her.
She is survived by her husband of 72 years, Donald; their daughters and sons-in-law, Barbara (Ed) Kiefer, Donna (Barry) Young, Sally (Phil) Schultz, and Mary (Terry) Gerken. There are nine grandchildren, Brian Kiefer, Sarah Clarin, Lindsay Young, Bryce Young, Michelle Schultz, Julie Schultz, Lisa Sandrock, Kayla Gerken, and Matthew Gerken. She had 13 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Lester W. Mathew.
Her Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at Prophetstown United Methodist Church, with Rev. Chelsey Weech, Pastor of First Lutheran Church in Prophetstown, officiating.
A Graveside Service will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at Riverside Cemetery in Sterling, IL.
A Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at Prophetstown United Methodist Church.
The Bosma-Gibson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Memorials have been established to Prophetstown United Methodist Church and Whiteside County 4-H.