Lorraine Tix

Lorraine Tix (Grandma L), 99, of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin (formerly of Champlin, Minnesota), passed away peacefully on July 1, 2025.

Lorraine was born in May 1926 in Dilworth, Minnesota, to Louis and Antoinette Boit. She was the youngest of eleven children—seven of whom grew into adulthood—and lovingly known as “the baby” of the family. She was also the only sibling born in a hospital. Raised during the Great Depression in Dilworth’s “Little Italy” neighborhood, Lorraine’s proud Italian roots were a constant part of who she was.

After graduating from Dilworth High School, she followed her older sisters Camille, Gladys, and Pat to the Pacific Northwest. There, she worked in department stores and even auditioned for the Rockettes—thanks to her sisters who taught her to dance.

Lorraine met Joe Tix on a setup arranged by mutual friends. The two married in 1953 and eventually moved to Champlin, Minnesota, where they built their home with their own hands. They lived there for over 40 years and raised their daughter, Roberta (Robin).

Lorraine worked at Federal Cartridge for 25 years, walking six miles roundtrip most days—something she took pride in. She was known for her love of walking, always at her own pace.

Even while working long hours, Lorraine always welcomed family into her home. Their house was a gathering place—always full of food, laughter, and warmth. She was a natural hostess who made everyone feel welcome.

She loved to travel and looked forward to yearly trips to Canada, the Dakotas, and Army reunions, including a memorable one in Fiji. Later in life, she shared that love of travel with her grandchildren—visiting Italy and England with her granddaughter Stephanie, and Montana with her grandson Tom and his family to see her sister Gladys.

Lorraine had a true sense of style—she and her sisters were always sharp dressers—but she was especially known for her shoes. She loved shopping, whether spending a full day at the mall or watching QVC at home. Her grandkids still laugh about how often she returned things.

She was an avid reader who especially enjoyed historical fiction—particularly stories about Indigenous communities and wartime eras. Her cheesecake was legendary, and she always enjoyed a glass of Chianti. Lorraine also adored animals and took loving care of her dogs—Brandy, Nani, Sam, and Bandit—as well as her grandkids’ pets over the years. She quietly championed animal welfare long before it was common, making sure pets were loved and looked after.

In 2001, Lorraine and Joe moved to Wisconsin to be closer to family. After Joe’s passing, she settled in Sun Prairie and spent the last 20 years living with her daughter Robin, who cared for her every day with love, patience, and devotion.

Though raised Catholic, Lorraine became a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Sun Prairie. She loved being close to her family and took great joy in watching her grandchildren grow up. In her later years, she proudly became the oldest fan in the stands at her great grandson’s high school hockey games.

She believed deeply in civic responsibility—voting in every election and serving on multiple juries throughout her life. Lorraine lived with quiet strength and deep love for her family.

She is survived by her daughter, Robin Barnet of Sun Prairie; grandchildren Stephanie Barnet and Tom (Susanne) Barnet; and great-grandchildren Madison (Jacob), Tori, and Owen Barnet, all of Sun Prairie. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and -nephews across the country.

Lorraine was preceded in death by her husband Joe; her parents; her brother, Jimmy Boit; and sisters Rose Knoll, Marian Mills, Patricia Gaustad, Gladys Masters, and Camille Becker; and her son-in-law, Bill Barnet.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Agrace Hospice.  

A memorial service will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 300 Broadway Drive, Sun Prairie, WI 53590 on Saturday, July 26. Visitation is at 1:00 PM with the service at 1:30 PM. A celebration of life will immediately follow at Stoneridge Estates Park, 300 Stonehaven Dr, Sun Prairie, WI 53590.

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie

(608) 837-9054