Obituaries

Lawrence ‘Lornie’ C. Spahn, Jr., age 87 of De Forest, passed away at The Legacy of DeForest, surrounded by loving family on Thursday, November 21, 2024. Born on December 5, 1936, to Lawrence and Catherine (Ripp) Spahn, he was raised on the family farm with his four siblings. In October 1955, he entered the Army and served as a Wheel Vehicle Mechanic while serving at Fort Lewis WA. When his help was needed on the family farm, he was discharged in August 1957. He subsequently served two years reserves and two years non-reserves.

In 1959 while at Schmitty’s Dance Hall in Waunakee, he met his future wife, Patricia Ziegler. They married March 1, 1960 at St.John’s Catholic Church in Waunakee and continued farming in DeForest while raising four children. Their marriage was 57 years strong when Pat died in 2017. When you own a dairy and hog farm, your commitment is strong, your days are long and your faith is essential. Lornie was a life-long member of St. Olaf’s Catholic Church in DeForest. They enjoyed a variety of activities together – polka dancing, bowling at WaunABowl in Waunakee, snowmobiling with the Golden Triangle Drifters in DeForest, and card-playing with close friends and numerous family groups. The love of family was the foundation that everything else was built. After selling the cows at age 65, Lornie became more involved in the Wisconsin Mid-State Antique Tractor Club. He found much joy in participating in the local parades, their tractor rides and fall ‘plow’ days - hosting that event numerous times. He was VERY brand loyal. His tractors were John Deere green and his vehicles were Chevrolet black. Lornie loved bringing people together; the summer fireworks at the farm were a highlight for him and all those that attended.

In 2019, he married Marilyn (Kurt) Wipperfurth. Together they enjoyed one another’s company and spending time with family and friends. Lornie was challenged by Parkinson’s, which took away much of his independence. Marilyn was there and vigilant to lovingly help navigate those challenges, which he (we) much appreciated.

Lornie was preceded in death by his parents, his son Ron (2004) and his first wife Pat (2017). Lornie is survived by his wife, Marilyn, his three living children Debbie (Dave) Wolff, Steve (Linda) Spahn, Mike (Kathy) Spahn and daughter-in-law Carol Spahn. His siblings and in-laws Lois (Dave deceased) Spahn, Jan Uebersetzig, Bonnie (Paul) Schmidt and Mary (Ed) Armbricht. He leaves behind nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, Chrissy (Alan) Clemens (Colton, Kaia, Kennedy), Jon (Kayla) Wolff (Mila, Kyler), Kalyn (TJ Moodie ) Spahn (Indy), Danielle (Joe) Kelly, Ryan (Larissa) Spahn, Marissa (fiancée Austin Bossaer), Josh Spahn, Joey (fiancée Alexis Cerrillos) Spahn and Matthew Spahn. Extended family of Pat’s, Charlene (Ed deceased) Hellenbrand, Leroy (Virginia deceased) Adler, and Fred (Shirley) Ziegler, and Marilyn’s children and their families, Glen & Jennifer Wipperfurth, Stuart & Debbie Wipperfurth, Amy & Steve Helt and Rachel & Zach Kallenbach, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to The Legacy of DeForest for their care. We can’t say enough about the excellent support and assistance from Brighton Hospice over the last five months. Thank You to the many family and friends who stayed connected with Lornie, you know he always loved your visits.

A Mass of Christian burial will take place on Wednesday, November 27 at 11am, St Olaf’s Catholic Church, DeForest. Friends may call on Tuesday, November 26 from 4-7pm at Ryan Funeral Home DeForest and on Wednesday morning at church from 9:30 until the time of services. Burial will take place in the church cemetery immediately following. A luncheon will follow at the church hall.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

Windsor/DeForest Chapel

6924 Lake Road

608-846-4250