Lorraine Martha (Kromrei) Krenz, age 89, of Appleton, WI, passed away unexpectedly on February 9, 2026, at Ascension-St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton. She was born on December 6, 1936, in Wausau, WI, the daughter of the late Theodore and Margaret (Damrow) Kromrei. She graduated from Wausau High School. On August 10, 1957, she married Franklin Krenz in Wausau. During their 68 years of marriage, they lived in Wausau, Prentice, La Crosse, Sun Prairie, Waukesha, and Appleton.

Lorraine was an active member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, involved in WELCA, Naomi-Sarah Circle, making quilts for Lutheran World Relief and local charities, and assembling Lutheran World Relief kits.

She enjoyed spending time with her family, seeing pictures of her great-grandchildren, going to Arizona in February and March for over 30 years, traveling, dining out, baking, golfing, and playing games. She will always be remembered for having lots of food and snacks when people were over, never missing a family birthday or anniversary with a card, and her big smile. But more importantly, as someone who was kind and caring.

Lorraine is survived by her husband, Franklin, and her three children: daughter Kerry (Timothy) Arent, Appleton, WI; sons Wayne Krenz, Dousman, WI, and Rodney Krenz (Melissa Priorello), Tempe, AZ. She is also survived by seven grandchildren: Kristin (Nicholas) Grosnick, Appleton, WI; Sara (William) Ryback, Queen Creek, AZ; Luke (Kama) Krenz, Dousman, WI; Rachel (Alex) Castillo, Flagstaff, AZ; Brittany Krenz, Tempe, AZ; Ashley Neuman, Queen Valley, AZ; and Dylan Neuman, Mesa, AZ. Her five great-grandchildren are Harrison and Grant Grosnick, Appleton; Cody and Valerie Krenz, Dousman; and William Ryback Jr., Queen Creek. She is also survived by her brother, Donald (Karen) Kromrei, Wausau, WI, and brother-in-law, Harold Dabler, Appleton, WI.

She was preceded in death by her daughter-in-law, Georgie Krenz, sisters Darlene (David) Yolitz and Sharon Dabler. As well as many Krenz sisters and brothers-in-law.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 16 at 11:00 a.m. at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church (2330 E Calumet St, Appleton, WI). Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 9:00 a.m. Internment will occur at a later date at Pine Grove Cemetery, Wausau, WI.

Memorials may be directed to Prince of Peace, Shriners Children’s, or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Ascension-St. Elizabeth Hospital and Touchmark for your care and compassion during this challenging time.