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Lorelee A. Binkowski

Lorelee A. Binkowski

Lorelee Ann Binkowski (85) of Menomonie, WI, formerly from Plum City, WI, returned to God’s heavenly home on July 5, 2025.  She passed away at Luther Hospital in Eau Claire, WI after a 2-year battle with complications from several hip surgeries, but being diagnosed with small cell lung cancer that spread to her liver just days before her death.

Lorelee was born to Jacob and Irma Wiskerchen on June 29, 1940, in Auburndale, Wisconsin.  Shortly after her birth, her family packed up and moved to Nevada with tragedy striking shortly after their arrival with Jacob being killed in a mining accident.  Lorelee and her mother returned to Wisconsin, with Irma eventually marrying Bernard King who had one son, John, and their family grew with 3 more children, Carol, Gary, and Connie, all growing in the Plum City area.  Lorelee attended Plum City High School, graduating in 1958, and is where she met her future husband, Dale, who was her “high school crush.” Dale proposed on Christmas 1958, and they were married on June 20, 1959 (having recently celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary), and had 5 children, Bob, Lori, Amy, David, and Chad. 

Over the years, Lorelee worked at American Loan & Thrifty (between her Junior and Senior year of high school in “the Cities”); Hamm’s Brewing Company in St. Paul, where she was a princess during the St. Paul Winter Carnival in 1958-1959, several employers in Durand doing bookkeeping and secretarial work, Ryan Lau (an attorney in Durand while Dale was farming / driving bus), and eventually working with Dale in growing their business, Binkowski Oil Company.

During her life, Lorelee enjoyed traveling with family and friends to various locations in the United States, as well as Mexico, Canada, Puerto Rico, and Aruba. Lorelee and Dale also enjoyed several cruises through the Hawaiian Islands, Alaska, and Mexico. She also enjoyed boating, waterskiing, and spending her free time with her family and friends.  What little free time she had, you could find her doing needlework, count-cross stitch, line-dancing, golfing, gardening, and playing cards and marbles with the family.

Lorelee was preceded in death by her parents, Jacob Wiskerchen and Irma King, her stepfather, Bernard King; her sisters, Carol King and Connie Manor, her children, David Binkowski (at birth) and Lori Larson; her nephew, Mark Manor; brother-in-law, Junior; sister-in-law, Audrey; brother and sister-in-law, John and Connie Binkowski; a niece-in-law, Sandy Binkowski; and many uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends.  Lorelee is survived and will be greatly missed by her husband, Dale; her children, Bob (Tonja) Binkowski; Amy Binkowski; and Chad (Lacey) Binkowski; grandchildren, Joe Binkowski; Chris (Lara) Johnson; Dalton Binkowski; Dillon Binkowski; Josh (Megan) Larson; Brady (Jacy) Larson; Bryan (Lauren) Larson; Kayla (Daniel) Wann; Rowen Binkowski; brothers, John (Thelma) King and Gary (Karen) King, great-grandchildren, Mason, Brooks, Aubree, Caleb, Daniel, Aria, Sophia, Vanessa, and Samatha; and nieces and nephews.

Memorial Mass will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 11, 2025, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Plum City, Wisconsin.  Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand, and one hour before the Memorial Mass on Friday at the church.  A Celebration of Life will take place at Molly’s on Main following the services. 

Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Menomonie, is serving the family.

 

Condolences

  1. Kendra Alibey

    I will always miss seeing you at grandma kings house

  2. Steve Bien

    Sorry to learn of your loss Dale (and family). Lorelee and I worked together on those darn taxes :), and later, investments for a long time...dating back to the 90's. She was a trooper and will be missed. You are in my prayers.

  3. Jeanette Brunner

    So sorry for your loss. Thinking of your family during this difficult time. God Bless.

  4. Lisa Nolte

    Dear Dale,Bob,Amy,Chad and families,
    I was so so sorry to hear of Aunt Sis’s passing and send my deepest sympathies. I will miss her great smile and her laugh. May she be resting in peace and may her memories bring you comfort. I will be keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
    With love and prayers,
    Lisa and Jim Nolte and family

  5. Diane and Mike Longsdorf

    So very sorry for your loss.

  6. JoAnn McDonnell Flatjord

    I am so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and Prayers to the Binkowski family.

  7. Kim and Roy Raethke

    Sending our condolences to all of the family.

  8. Jerry and Pat Frion

    Dale and family we are so sorry for your loss.

  9. Joanne Hovey

    Sincere sympathy to family and friends of Lorelee. There are many memories of her when living in Plum City

  10. Donna and Richard Karshbaum

    So Sorry for Your Loss Lorelee was a amazing Lady, God Bless You All , Sending Prayers and Love ❤️

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