Lorraine “Lori” Carol Chapek

Lorraine “Lori” Carol Chapek, 73, Cadott, passed away, Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026. at Aspirus Hospital in Stanley.

Born Nov. 20, 1952, to Robert E. Knowlton and Deloris (Kohls) Knowlton, Lori grew up in the Holcombe area, where she and her siblings were often causing mayhem, if they weren’t out peeling pulp or hauling logs, with their horses.

She attended a smaller elementary school, near her home and went on to graduate from Holcombe High School, in 1970. Lori attended cosmetology school in Eau Claire, then worked at the Silhouette Cut & Curl, in Cornell, and always spoke highly of the ladies there.

Lori married Dale McCann, in October 1971, and they had one son, Jamie. They later divorced, but I can remember her telling great stories and memories of their time together.

She later married Thomas “Tom” Chapek, in June 1978. They had two daughters, Lacey and LeAnn.

Lori and Tom built an underground home, just west of Crescent Tavern. This was Lori’s paradise and something she missed terribly, in her later years.

She was a stay-at-home mom, very proud of her roses and other flowers she meticulously landscaped around the home. She was busy with a huge garden, always canning something, including venison she shot herself.

Lori made the newspaper twice, with large bucks she had shot and never missed a season, until her later years. She and Tom also started a DNR-sanctioned deer farm, which kept them busy. They were always adding new critters to the roster, but her prized possessions at that time, were her banty hens and her golden retriever, Toppy.

This was also home to “Lori’s Beauty Salon,” where she was able to help support the family and still be near her children.

Once her youngest started school, Lori worked toward getting her CDL and started driving for the Cadott School District. She drove for over 20 years, before her health forced her to retire. The friendships she made followed her into retirement and were something she always cherished.

After she and Tom divorced in 1996, Lori moved into town and was able to purchase her home, in 1997. She was always very proud of this and owned it until her death. She simply refused to sell something she had worked so hard to get.

While driving school bus was her primary job, many people remember her from days of cooking at DJ’s. With a strong work ethic and quick laugh, it’s not surprising that she made strong, long lasting friendships there, as well.

After retirement, Lori enjoyed spending time with friends, and especially her grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. Nothing made her happier, than to see any one of them running up to her yelling, “Nana, Nana!”

She spent the last year of her life at Oakbrook Health and Rehab, in Thorp. Once again, she went all in and became a part of the Resident Council, helped start a Bible study and was lovingly referred to as the house “Card Shark.”

As her health slowly declined, she focused her time on her family, her friends at Oakbrook and strengthening her relationship with the Lord.

She is survived by mother – Deloris (Kohls) Larson; sisters – Janet (Roger) Pahl and Deanna (Jason) Bingham; brothers – Gary (Irene) Knowlton and Randy (Audra) Knowlton; son – Jamie (Tracey) McCann; daughter – Lacey Chapek; grandchildren – Cameron Chapek, Courtney Chapek (Andrew Harm), Thomas Chapek, Raenah Chapek (Shane Bune), Brok and Jaedyn McCann; great-grandchildren – Elijah Chapek, Caiden, Danika, Evander, Finley and Gracie Harm, and Micah Bune; and Alissa Broughton, who was like another daughter.

She was preceded in death by father – Robert Knowlton; brother – Eugene Knowlton; niece – Sheila Pahl; and daughter – LeAnn Chapek.

A celebration of life is Saturday, Sept. 26, from 1-4 p.m., with commemoration at 2 p.m., at East Riverview Park in Cadott.

Leiser Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Cadott, is assisting the family.