Racine – Arlene Ann Louise (nee: Cera) Lorbeck, age 85, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday evening, November 12, 2017 surrounded with the love of her family.

Arlene was born in Stevens Point, WI on January 17, 1932 to the late Joseph and Anna (nee: Zinda) Cera. She attended St. Peters Grade School, Pacelli High School and, eventually, St. Joseph's Convent for 3 years. On April 19, 1952 in St. Peter's Catholic Church – Stevens Point, she was united in marriage with Gregory Lorbeck.

Arlene served as a lunch lady at Mitchell Middle School for over 29 years, retiring in 2008. With a profound Christian faith, she was a faithful member of St. Lucy Catholic Church for over 55 years. Among her interests, Arlene enjoyed cooking, baking, shopping, reading and was a devoted prayer warrior. Above all, she loved being a mother and grandmother – who spent every available time in the surroundings of her entire family.

Surviving are her children, Diane (Anthony) Woehlke, Judith Nelson, Pauline Lorbeck, Christine (Bob) Hohl, Susan (Walter) Davis and Jennifer (Brian) Willing; 23 adored grandchildren; 10 cherished great-grandchildren; sisters, Janet Grubba and Beverly Jasinski; sisters-in-law, Margie Cera and Mari Ann Lorbeck; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents, Arlene was preceded in death by her loving husband of 44 years, Gregory; infant sons, Joseph, Thomas and Theodore Lorbeck; grandchildren, Katie Mary Lorbeck and Brandon Nelson; sisters, Leone (Kurt) Thiel and Betty (Norbert) Kiefer; brothers, Wayne Cera and Joseph (Evelyn) Cera; sisters-in-law, Elaine (Bud) Dobeck and Ruth (Ben) Lapinski; and brothers-in-law, Victor Lorbeck, Paul Jasinski, Lloyd (Gerry) Lorbeck and Richard (Florence) Lorbeck.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, November 16, 2017 at 11:00 am at Saint Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Avenue, with Rev. Ronald Gramza officiating. Visitation will be in the church on Thursday from 10:00 – 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the St. Lucy Food Pantry or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have been suggested.

A heartfelt note of thanks to Dr. Mark DeCheck and to Hospice Alliance for the compassionate care and support given in Arlene's time of need. May God bless all of you!

Service Details

Memorial Mass: Thursday, November 16, 2017 at 11:00 am in St. Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Avenue in Racine

Visitation: Thursday in St. Lucy Church from 10:00 – 11:00 am

Memorial Suggestions

Memorials to St. Lucy Food Pantry or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.