Lorraine Mary Kriegel Willett

Lorraine Mary Kriegel Willett

Brooklyn

Lorraine Mary Kriegel Willett, 74, of Brooklyn, IA, passed away on September 1, 2025, at Brooklyn Community Estates.

A visitation was held from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, on Friday, September 5, 2025, at Smith Funeral Home in Brooklyn, IA.

A memorial service was held at 11:00 am, on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church in Brooklyn, IA. The family will hold a private service at the cemetery at a later date.

Memorials may be made payable to First Presbyterian Church or East Poweshiek Ambulance Service, mailed in c/o Smith Funeral Home, 605 Jackson Street, Brooklyn, IA 52211.

Lorraine was born on January 20, 1951, in Grinnell, IA to Melvin Eugene and Teresa Grace (Henle) Kriegel. She grew up alongside her 12 siblings in the Brooklyn area and graduated from BGM High School.

On October 26, 1968, Lorraine was united in marriage to Gene Willett at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Brooklyn, IA. To this union the couple had three children, Kelly, Carrie, and Mandy. Lorraine had a long career in the Brooklyn community, utilizing her vast administrative skills in various roles, including at the local vet clinic, a dental office, the First Presbyterian Church, and as city clerk.

When she was not working, Lorraine enjoyed exploring her many talents. She might be found in her workshop making crafts and furniture, out in the garden with her flowers, in the craft room creating cards, weaving baskets, or sewing, or in the kitchen canning fruits and vegetables or baking with her grandchildren. Lorraine was also happy to hit the road, headed towards a garage sale, a craft fair, shopping with friends/family, or to a grandchild’s sporting event or activity. More than anything, she enjoyed time with her family, especially celebrating the holidays.

She is survived by her husband Gene of Brooklyn, IA; her children, Kelly (Mary Thomas) Willett of Grinnell, IA, Carrie Gray of Salida, CO, and Mandy (Dustin) Westerdale of Brooklyn, IA; her grandchildren, Chase (Emily) Willett of Lohrville, IA, Mallory Willett of Denver, CO, Garrett Westerdale of North Liberty, IA, Mason Westerdale of Brooklyn, IA, Kyle Gray of Salida, CO, Trace Westerdale of Brooklyn, IA, and Karna Gray of Salida, CO; her great-granddaughter, Collins Willett of Lohrville, IA; her siblings, Carol (Roger) VanRenterghem of Brooklyn, IA, Lyle Kriegel of Brooklyn, IA, Tony (Pauline) Kriegel of Brooklyn, IA, Gerri (Mark) Moore of Reasnor, IA, Loretta Grant of Atkins, TN, Helen Henry of Newton, IA, Annette Goodrich of Brooklyn, IA, Joyce Anderson of Brooklyn, IA, Marilyn (Marc) D’Aguanno of Montezuma, IA, Joe (Julie) Kriegel of Brooklyn, IA, Pauline (Steve) Plants of Brooklyn, IA, and Ed (Stacey) Kriegel of Grinnell, IA.

She is preceded by her parents, Melvin and Teresa Kriegel, and a son-in-law, Andrew Gray.