Lorraine C. Gonzalez

Lorraine C. Gonzalez was born on April 21, 1924, in Beckemeyer, Illinois, a daughter of Ben and Alice (Beckemeyer) Vahlkamp. She married Joaquin “Jack” Gonzalez on November 20, 1942 at St. Anthony’s Church in Beckemeyer. He preceded her in death on December 20, 1967.Lorraine C. Gonzalez, age 86, passed away on Sunday, October 24, 2010, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese, Illinois.Mrs. Gonzalez worked at the Moran Shoe Factory in Carlyle, and also worked as a playground supervisor at St. Anthony School where she was known by the kids as “Granny”. Lorraine loved to cook, bake, and read, but above all she loved spending time with family. Lorraine was a member of the St. Ann’s Altar Sodality and a lifetime member of the Beckemeyer American Legion Auxiliary post 1227.Mrs. Gonzalez is survived by four daughters – Jane Gonzalez, Jupe Gonzalez, Mary Kelso & husband Steve, and Chris Dooley & husband Randy, all of Beckemeyer; three sons – Jack Gonzalez & wife Linda of Beckemeyer, Joe Gonzalez & special friend Aoy of Belleville, Ben Gonzalez and wife Jan of Beckemeyer; ten grandchildren – Bryan Gonzalez & wife Krista, Scott Gonzalez , Jason Gonzalez, Jamie Unger & husband James, Bret Kelso & wife Jackie, Joe Gonzalez & wife Amanda, Melissa Gonzalez & special friend Renardo, Jill Gonzalez, and Matt Gonzalez, Megan Dooley,; four great grandchildren – Cooper Unger, Riley Gonzalez, Cortney & Chelsea Crocker; a brother – Bud Vahlkamp of Fairview Heights; two brothers-in-law – Civ Orschell of Trenton, Ralph Gonzalez & wife Evelyn of Jacksonville, IL; a sister-in-law – June Gonzalez of Beckemeyer.In addition to her husband and parents, Lorraine was preceded in death by asister – Helen Orschell; sister-in-law – Gloria Garcia; brothers-in-law Manuel “Abie” Gonzalez, Joe Gonzalez, and Henry “Beans” Garcia.A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, October 27, 2010, at St. Anthony’s Church in Beckemeyer with Fr. Chuck Tuttle and Deacon Bob Lippert officiating. Interment will follow in St. Anthony’s Cemetery.Visitation will be held on Tuesday October 26, 2010 from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. and Wednesday from 8:00 A.M. until 10:30 A.M. at the Frerker Funeral Home in Carlyle.Condolences may be left for the Gonzalez family by visitingwww.frerkerfuneral.com.Expressions of sympathy in memory of Mrs. Gonzalez are suggested to Mater Dei High School, or to the charity of donor’s choice and those will be received at the Frerker Funeral Home in Carlyle which is serving the family.