Lorraine Pearl DeCoster Gray Alexander, Janesville, WI (1918-2015)
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April 27, 1918 - July 21, 2015
Lorraine Pearl DeCoster Gray Alexander, 97, of Janesville, died July 21, 2015, at Cedar Crest Health Center. Lorraine was born on April 27, 1918, in Janesville, WI, to Pearl and Thornton DeCoster. She graduated from Janesville High School. She was very talented and performed in several operettas. After high school she worked at Parker Pen Company, first on the assembly line, then later promoted to secretary and was one of the Parker Girls. She met Larry Gray and they were married in the early 1940’s. At that time they lived in Milton, WI, and owned The Gray Log restaurant, which was located between Milton and Milton Junction. Previously, they owned a small ice cream restaurant. In 1947, they moved to Janesville, and established the Knotty Pine Restaurant on Milwaukee Street with their partner, Windy Hansch. Lorraine was hostess, waitress and bookkeeper. They also owned the Alpine Restaurant in Creston Park until Larry Gray died in 1970. In 1972, Lorraine married Duane Alexander. In retirement, they resided for 25 years in Green Valley, AZ. Lorraine was a beautiful singer and was formerly the lead singer in the First Congregational Church Choir in Janesville.
Lorraine is survived by her husband, Duane; daughter, Barbara (Bob) Clem; step-son, Ron (Lisa) Alexander; step-daughter, Sue (Brian) Gray; grandchildren: Tim, Christopher (Carrie) and Corey (Sarah) Weir, Mike (Jamie) Alexander, Patty (Dan) Ratterman, Amy Eckert (Ryan Clark), Eric (Cheryl) Thornton; and 17 great-grandchildren.
Services are at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, July 26, 2015, at the CARGILL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH CHAPEL with Rev. Susan Lockman officiating. Visitation is from 12:30 until 1:30 p.m. Sunday at the CHURCH. A luncheon will follow the services at the church. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Wounded Warrior Project. Arrangements for cremation were handled by HENKE-CLARSON FUNERAL HOME.
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