Lorene M. Stamm

Lorene M. Stamm of Freeport (formerly of Forreston) passed away at Serenity House and Hospice Oregon, Illinois on June 18, 2021. Lorene was a special Christmas gift to Walter and Leatha Wilkens, born on December 25, 1938, in Brookville, Illinois. Lorene graduated from Forreston HS and later attended Highland Community College to complete course work in Principles of Bank Management. Her professional career included 31 years at Forreston State Bank, and she eventually retired from German American State Bank. Her second career was launched in 1972, when she and Gary purchased acreage to raise and show registered Black Angus cattle. Lorene has many trophies to show for these efforts. Lorene loved country living and there was not any chore she would not do. The locals often teased Gary about how many steers Lorene owned and cared for; she loved working "the farm" with Gary. Lorene's spiritual home was at Faith Lutheran Church, Forreston where she had served on the Church Council and also as a Junior Leader. Her winter church was Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Crosby, Tennessee. Her free time was spent with oil and ceramic painting. She did not have a family member or friend who had not been blessed with her beautiful and fun ceramic wares. She also has an amazing collection of chicken salt and pepper shakers from across the US and around the world. Lorene always said she loved her chickens and her cows. She was a loyal Green Bay Packer fan and danced to country music. She was an active woman; you could find her playing cards & 42, gardening, fishing, and traveling in their camper. Lorene and Gary wintered at their cabin up on a mountain in the Smokies. She cherished being close to nature with its wildflowers and wildlife; being in the hills close to Heaven. Lorene is survived by her loving husband, Gary and many heartfelt and caring nephews and nieces, her extended family and wide circle of friends. She is predeceased by her parents, two brothers, Loren, and Lavern and her first husband, Kendall Coon. Visitation will be held on June 28th at Burke & Tubbs Funeral Home in Forreston from 4 - 7 PM. Funeral services will be at Faith Lutheran Church in Forreston on June 29th at 11 AM. Memorials may be made to the local Cancer Society or to the Ogle County Fair. Condolences can be made to the family at www.burketubbs.com