Obituary for Lorraine E. (Drafke) Duchnowski
Lorraine E. (Drafke) Duchnowski, 95 of Pekin, IL, passed away on November 21, 2023, in hospice at the Villas of Holly Brook in Pekin, IL.
Born January 30, 1928, to Ida Marie (Eipers) Drafke and Fredrick Drafke Sr. in Lemont, IL. Lorraine married Chester John Duchnowski, Sr., on October 2, 1948, also in Lemont, IL.
Surviving are three sons, Chester J. (Mary Christy “Chris”) Duchnowski, Jr., of Lake St. Louis, MO, Lenard J. Duchnowski of Hindsboro, IL, and James E. (Kate) Duchnowski of Mahomet, IL; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren, and one brother, Alvin (Carole) Drafke of Dwight, IL.
Lorraine graduated from Lemont High School in 1946, and worked at Corn Products Company in Argo, IL, until her marriage to Chester (“Ducky”) Duchnowski in 1948. Shortly after, Ducky was transferred to the Corn Products factory in Corpus Christi, TX, where they lived until moving to Pekin, IL in 1960.
Lorraine’s early married years were devoted to her family. When the children were older, she worked at the Sears Catalog Center in Sunset Plaza, and then the Sears Store in the Pekin Mall, from 1971 to 1992.
Like her husband, Lorraine was an avid golfer and bowler, spending much of her time at Sunset Hills Golf and Swim Club, Parkview Golf Course, and Lick Creek Golf Course, and also at the bowling leagues at Sunset Lanes in Sunset Hills. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Parish for 63 years, until her death.
A memorial mass will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. with visitation from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin, IL. Father Michael Andrejek will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Pekin, IL.
In lieu of flowers please make memorial donations to St. Joseph Catholic Church or St. Jude Children’s Hospital in her name.
The family has entrusted Abts Mortuary in Pekin, IL with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at abtsmortuary.com
To plant a tree in memory of Lorraine E. (Drafke) Duchnowski, visit the Tribute Store.
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