Loretta Lechner

Loretta Lechner, 67, of Waupun was welcomed home to Heaven on Monday, February 13, 2023. After a courageous battle with ALS, she passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family.

Loretta was born May 27, 1955 and grew up in Madison, WI. She learned to play softball from her 5 brothers and could often be seen riding her bike across Madison for a game. She graduated from Madison East High School and completed her nursing degree from Marian College in 1978. In 1981, she married the love of her life, David, and they moved to Waupun. They shared a strong Catholic faith and were members of St. Joseph Parish for over 40 years. Loretta worked for 40 years as a nurse, first in the ER in Waupun and then at Agnesian in Fond du Lac. 

Loretta had a heart of gold. While raising her four children, she never turned down an opportunity to chaperone a field trip, help with art or science projects, or host a dinner party before a high school dance. Throughout the years, she and Dave hosted many exchange students and other travelers in their home. She loved helping others, volunteering actively in the church, and serving as a member of St. Vincent de Paul Society. She was a 40-year member of the Daughters of Isabella and held the position of Regent for several years.

Loretta treasured time with family and friends, and especially took great joy in spending time with her seven grandchildren whom she loved dearly. She also enjoyed gardening, reading, baking, sewing, and embroidery. For both people she knew and didn’t know, Loretta made countless costumes and hemmed numerous dresses. People looked forward to the clever Christmas card poems Loretta wrote each year. She is surely winning a few cribbage games in heaven!

Loretta is survived by her beloved husband David of 41 years. Loving mother of Erin (John) Falk, Kay (Tony) Eibl, Thomas (Katie), and Renee Lechner. Proud Grandma of Dominic,Carmen, Elliott, Isaac, and Claire Falk; Madison Eibl and Nolan Lechner. Dear sister of Tom (Suzie), Greg (Darlene), Mike (Kathy), Ed (Angela) Hengel, John Lechner, and Barbara Wild. Further survived by many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.  

Preceded in death by her parents, Don and Kay, and her brother Bill Hengel.  

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, February 20, 2023 at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Waupun with Fr. John Radetski officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Waupun. Friends and relatives may call on the family on Sunday at Werner-Harmsen Funeral Home in Waupun from 4-6 p.m. and on Monday at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service.

Many thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff at the Froedtert Hospital Neurology Center ALS Clinic and ProMedica Hospice. Memorials can be directed to St. Vincent De Paul Society ℅ St. Joseph Church, or the Human Concerns committee at St. Joseph Church (201 E. Main Street, Waupun).