Lorraine Leona Wilde

Lorraine Leona Wilde, age 91, of Weston, formerly of Wausau, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 30, 2026, at Rennes Health & Rehab in Weston, while surrounded by her family and under the care of Interim Hospice. She was born on January 18, 1935, and was the daughter to the late Harry A. and Leona S. (Bahr) Mootz in Berlin, WI. Lorraine grew up on the family farm near Newood, and went to grade school there, and later on attended Wausau High School, where she graduated. She met her soul mate and best friend: William Ferdinand Wilde, and the two were united in marriage on August 21, 1954 in the town of Maine. Sadly, William passed away on August 10, 2012.

In thinking of our mother, there are many things that standout but four are noteworthy. The first is her faith and commitment to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Wausau. Sunday morning church attendance was paramount until the last years. She served as the president of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) for many years. In this capacity she assisted in organizing missionary projects and conferences. She was also active in the St. Mark’s Ladies Guild. In this role she was involved in organizing the meals offered to families following the funerals of their loved ones along with meaningful programing, and other activities. Lorraine also supported the Orphan Grain Train by sewing on buttons, replacing zippers, and other clothing repairs. There were many desserts and baked dishes put together for events at St. Mark’s.

The second thing was volunteering. In addition to just being a member, she would hold an office to support the organization. Loraine volunteered for the Handy Hands Homemakers Club, Marathon County Healthcare Center gift shop, the Wausau Hospital Auxiliary, and a Wausau City Employees group to name a few.

Polka music was the third thing that stood out. Lorraine was active in Wausau – Merrill Deutscher and the Pommerscher Verein Central Wisconsin Klubs. She could be found at most of the local polka dances and even traveling around the state to dance and listen to the music. Lorraine was the social butterfly knowing people at each table.

The fourth thing was Mom’s needlework. She was gifted at cross stitch and Hardanger. Her beautiful work has been distributed to her family and friends.

Mom’s favorite activity was going on bus rides. The bus trips were both for pleasure and in shepherding groups. Lorraine was always prepared by printing out the directions to the location just in case the professional bus drive did not know how to get there!

She was employed by Associates In Pathology for 23 years, , serving in various positions until her retirement in June 1997.

Lorraine is survived by her children: Kay (Burt) Palmer, Kathy (Jim) Krzmarcik, Randy (Susan) Wilde and Jamie (Bryan) Tackes, grandchildren: Jennie (Jack) Zastrow, Bill (Mandy) Krzmarcik, Heather (Nathan) White and Matthew (Alyssa) Tackes, step-granddaughter: Tammy (Joe) Neu, great grandchildren: Finn, Camden and Beckett Zastrow, Sophia and Silas Krzmarcik, Carson, Jasmine, Preston, Mason and Brandon White, Faith Lemmer and Jacob Neu, great great grandsons: Charlie White and Asher Tackes (due in December), brother: Roger (Phyllis) Mootz, brother-in-law: Elgart Thurs, sister-in-law: Jean Wilde and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Harry A. and Leona S. Mootz, in-laws: Paul and Erna Wilde, husband: William Wilde, brother: Lavern Mootz, sister: Geraine Mootz, extended family members: Bernhardine (Louis) Ohde, Myrtle Sluga, Viletta (Bob) Wade, Shirley (Elegart) Thurs, Doris (Clarence) Tobalsky, Earl Wilde, Lucinda Gaskins, Harold (Elda) Wilde, Ruth (Elroy) Brandt, Virene (Arlis) Cramer, Gilbert (Jean) Wilde, Edward (Margaret) Wilde, Jack Wilde and Dale Wilde.

The funeral service for Lorraine will be held on Monday, November 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Wausau. Pastor Joe Bender will preside. Visitation will be held on Monday, November 9, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service, also at the church. Entombment will take place at Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to Jolene with Interim Hospice and the wonderful people at Renaissance & Rennes, who took such good care of her during her time with them. It is much appreciated.

Helke Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Wausau is honored to assist Lorraine’s family with the arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.helke.com.