ST’. LUCAS — Loretta Blong, 84, St. Lucas, died suddenly on Monday, Oct. 23, 20QO at her home.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Luke's Catholic Church, St. Lucas, at 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 26. Con-celebrating the Liturgy were Rev. Carl Schmitt, Rev. Frank Perry, Rev. Allen Schmitt, Rev. Marvin Salz, Rev. Ray Ludwig, Msgr. Don Heineman and Msgr. Leander Reicks. Lector was Jim Schneberger and Katie Croatt, Andy ana Willie Schmitt served Mass. Organist Lorraine Kuennen accompanied the St. Luke's Choir.

Interment was in St. Luke’s Cemetery, St. Lucas, with Don Blong, Merle Blong, Del Schmitt, Henry Best, Peter Schmitt, Nick Winters, Greg Kamik and Andrew Winters as casket bearers.

Chekal Funeral Home, Fort Atkinson, was in charge of arrangements.

Loretta was born May 25, 1916 on the family farm near St. Lucas, the daughter of Matt and Philomena (Bodensteiner) Blong. She attended St. Luke's Catholic School in St. Lucas and worked on the family farm all of her life. Loretta looked after her nephew, Herbert on the farm. She was a member of St. Luke's Catholic Church and Rosary Society and enjoyed crocheting, gardening, cooking and baking.

Survivors include her brother, Wendelin Blong, Milwaukee, WI; several nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews and great-great-nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her parents; 11 brothers and sisters, John Blong, Carl Blong, Theresa Perry, Margaret Schmitt, Bill Blong, Cecelia Schmitt, Emily Best, Anna Schmitt, Luke Blong, George Blong, Angeline Winters; and her nephew, Herbert.

Source: New Hampton Tribune Oct. 27, 2000
from Elma library collection assembled by Marian (Marr) McGee