Lorraine E. Cheek

Lorraine E Cheek (nee Hartje) of Mt Morris passed into her Lord’s gentle arms on May 12. She was born October 26, 1929 in Maryland Township and was the 13th of 13 children born to William and Louise (Kreimeyer) Hartje. She graduated from Leaf River High School and married her high school sweetheart, Roger Cheek, on October 23, 1948.

Church activities were always a large part of their life, and at age 35, Roger entered the ministry.  Lorraine became an active partner in that ministry as a pastor’s wife. They served many United Methodist churches in Southeast South Dakota and Northern Illinois and made countless friends along the way. Children’s and youth ministries and music were Lorraine’s passions. She sang in and directed many choirs and Sunday School programs through the years. Together she and Roger led many MYF activities and camping trips.

Lorraine loved the outdoors and traveling, especially camping and fishing. She enjoyed baking and gardening, but mostly she loved her family and friends near and far! Lorraine always kept her hands busy with crafting and sewing projects and later turned this into a business. She owned Wood ‘N Whimsey in Sterling and later in Galena. She and Roger retired to a small patch of land south of Galena where, with their own hands and the help of family, they built a house overlooking the Mississippi River. Later they moved back to the Mt Morris area.

Lorraine is survived by children Denise, Deb, Belinda of Mt Morris/Oregon; Edward and wife Becky of DeKalb; Marilyn Mason; Grandchildren Rhonda, Heather, and Ethan (Tara Olsen); and great-grandson Liam. She was preceded in death by husband Roger, her parents, twelve siblings, and dozens of in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends.

An interment service for family will be held at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, May 17 at 11:00 a.m. at Disciples United Methodist Church in Mt Morris. Family will be available for visitation prior to the service at 10:00. There will be a light luncheon following the service

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorials to one of the following agencies. The family wishes to express much gratitude to the staff and community of these organizations for the love and excellent care they provided for Mom and for all of the family.

Allure of Pinecrest/Terrace Activities, 414 S Wesley Ave, Mt Morris, IL 61054

Serenity Hospice, 1658 IL-2, Oregon, IL 61061