Lorraine Neelis

Lorraine Louise Neelis, 87 of Cheboygan, MI died October 9, 2025 at the Medilodge of Cheboygan.

Lorraine was born on January 10, 1938 in Pontiac, MI, the daughter of Lloyd and Ethel (Webb) Ayotte.  She grew up in Rochester, MI and attended school in Avondale, MI.

On June 15, 1957, Lorraine married the love of her life, William “Bill” Neelis at the St Andrews Parish in Rochester, MI.  The two remained married for 58 years when Bill preceded Lorraine in death on February 16, 2016.  Throughout her life, Lorraine worked in various fields and for different companies, including: Plymouth Industries, Century Products, Red Arrow Laundromat, Kretchman Donuts, Starline Ferry and a short stint as a Pinkerton Agent at B&C Market in Cheboygan.

She was a previous member of the Daughter of Isabella, Cheboygan 4H, St Chares and Sacred Heart Choir and Alter Society, and the Munro Helping Hand Club.  She enjoyed BINGO, playing cards, Yahtzee, embroidery, and her greatest joy, spending time with her family.   

Lorraine was a caring wife who built a loving family with her husband Bill.  Their yearly adventures in Cross Village for family reunions was very special to the whole family.  They also traveled to Trenary for the Outhouse Races, which brought endless smiles to their faces.  Her family was everything to her and she was very proud of all of them.  Lorraine loved to embroider pillow cases and give them as gifts.  There are pillow cases all over Michigan that she made and gave to relatives and friends.   This made her happy. 

She instilled the values of loving, caring, and family to her children.  Taking care of each other was very important to her.

Lorraine is survived by her children, Ralph (Debbie) Neelis, Roberta (Tom) Comps, Judy (John) Godzik, and Joe Neelis; siblings and in-laws, Jack (Linda) Ayotte, Irene Walrad, Penny Ayotte, Phyllis Ayotte, Gloria Ayotte, Shirley Neelis, Theresa Hennen; grandchildren, Daniel and Donnie Comps, Alex (Katelynn) Godzik, Anna Godzik, Willie (Taylor) Neelis, Bekka Neelis, Autumn (Kyle) Wallis; great grandchildren, Bentley, Lexus, Mason, Kimber, Lailah, Avery, and Marshall; many nieces and nephews, many of whom were like her own children; and by her special friends, Tim and Patty who took very good care of her.

The family will receive friends at the Nordman-Christian Funeral Home on October 14th from 6-8pm with a wake service being held at the funeral home at 7pm.  Visitation will continue on October 15th at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Riggsvile from 11am-Noon with the funeral Mass beginning at noon.  Burial will be in the Oak Hill Cemetery of Cheboygan.

Those wishing to honor Lorraine’s memory are asked to make a donation to Medilodge Activity Fund or the Lords Kitchen.