Lorraine Helen Illig

Lorraine Helen Illig, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother, passed away suddenly on Monday, April 28, 2025, in Midland, MI. She was born on Wednesday, October 13, 1937, in Roseville, MI to Oscar and Jelima (Demers) Toutant.  She moved to West Branch with her family at a young age, and graduated from West Branch High School.  Lorraine dedicated much of her life to her family and community.

Lorraine was known for her caring and giving nature, always helping out with children and being involved in various local events. She worked for her parents at the Toutant General Store in Indian/Elk Lake and later spent over ten years at Ivan's Store located on the corner of M-55 and M-33. For many years, Lorraine was the proud owner of Ogemaw Lanes Bowling Alley in West Branch, starting in 1975. The bowling alley brought her joy and camaraderie, and she took special pride in organizing kids’ leagues and tournaments over the years. She was a true mentor to hundreds of kids through the years.

Her hobbies included going to the casino, playing BINGO, and enjoying games like Rummikub and Euchre. Throughout her life, Lorraine was actively involved in all the Knights of Columbus events and each and every year since the beginning had a Ogemaw Lanes Booth at the Ogemaw County Fair. She was also an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in West Branch.

Lorraine is survived by her loving husband, Gerald "Chum" Illig, her daughter Penny (Paul) Killian and her sons Perry (Rose) Illig, Chris Illig, and Jeremy Illig, all from West Branch. She cherished her grandchildren: Jennifer (Daniel) Hagner, Julie (Ryan Nixon) Illig, and Corey (Jennifer) Towner. Lorraine was also a proud great-grandmother to Naomi, Olivia, Chloe, Elise, Lexie (Kyle Reilly), Landon, Corbin, Gavin, and Brodin, as well as a great-great-grandmother to Hadlee, Presleigh, and Hayes. She is survived by her sister, Elizabeth Guy, and her brother, Wally (Donna) Toutant.

Lorraine was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar and Jelima (Demers) Toutant, and her brother, Bob Toutant.

A memorial mass will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at 11:00 am with visitation from 9:00 am until the time of mass. A luncheon at the KofC Hall will follow.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations are suggested to the St. Joseph School Endowment as a way to show her continued love of the children in the community.