Lorraine N. Nepstad

Lorraine Naomi Nepstad née Shade

April 18, 1928-March 15, 2025

Lorraine (Laurie) was born in Chicago and lived in a predominately Swedish district located on the Northside during her early years. The family, which included a younger sister, Beverly, moved to suburban Skokie when Laurie was twelve. In Skokie, Laurie formed lasting relationships, most significantly with Donald Nepstad.

Laurie married Don in 1950. They enjoyed over 60 years of married life until his death in 2017. As the wife of a minister, there were frequent moves and role defining responsibilities throughout their marriage. Laurie created nurturing homes for her family and venues of hospitality for congregations in Illinois, Texas, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin and Massachusetts. And Laurie pursued her own career, which she found to be deeply gratifying, as a children’s librarian in public schools in Niles, Michigan.

Laurie often acknowledged that her family was the focus and most important dimension of her life. In the 1950s, Laurie and Don’s three children entered the world; Linda, Stephen and Daniel. She cherished her children, six grandchildren, great grandchild, and daughters-in-law. In her final days Laurie delighted in her great grandchild and learned of another on the way. Her family enriched her life bringing new vistas of experience including travel to the Amazon and holidays in Hawaii. Travel continued well beyond Don and Laurie’s retirement in Madison, Wisconsin in 2008.

Laurie will be remembered as a woman of faith, freely expressing her love for God and family. Laurie would have been 97 next month.

At 10:30 am on Saturday, April 26, 2025, there will be a brief service in the columbarium at Covenant Presbyterian Church,326 S Segoe Rd, Madison, WI 53705 where Lorraine's ashes will be placed in her niche. There will be a Memorial Service at 11:00 am in the sanctuary of the church with Charles Berthoud presiding, and immediately following the service, there will be a luncheon.

Cress Funeral Service

1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie, WI 53590

608-837-9054