Lorayne "Lorie" E. Cohoon

Lorayne Ethel Cohoon (Thompson), beloved mother, wife, grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully May 18th, 2026.

Born on November 23, 1939 Lorayne lived a life rooted in faith, family, and joy. A devoted Christian and active member of her church community, she carried kindness and compassion into every part of her life.

One of thirteen children, Lorayne learned early the value of love, resilience, and hard work. She studied at UW Eau Claire, and finished with a business degree from University of Baltimore. She had an impressive career as a business manager at Westinghouse, while consistently maintaining entrepreneurial endeavors on the side selling cosmetic, wellness, and cleaning products. Some of her best sales years were in her 80s!

At the age of 20, Lorayne married the love of her life, the late Raymond Cohoon. Together they spent nearly 50 years building a life centered on family and adventure. Lorie and Ray were loving parents to four children; Dennis Cohoon, Patricia Auld, Debora Wall, and Gregory Cohoon (pre(deceased). Later, they became proud and devoted grandparents to Gregory Cohoon, Alaina Cohoon, Lindley Cohoon, Chad Auld, Sydney Auld, Steven Wall, Natalie Wall, and Timothy Wall. Lorie’s family was her greatest joy, and she cherished every moment spent with them. Over their years together, Lorie and Ray enjoyed square dancing, traveling, and spending time on their pontoon boat with their children and grandchildren.

After retirement, the pair happily shared their time between Palm Desert, California, and Exeland, Wisconsin; two places they dearly loved and where they created countless treasured memories together.

Lorie’s uplifting spirit and extraordinary energy was contagious. Some of her brightest days were spent laughing with her family and friends, yardsale-ing, playing bridge, winning at cards, feeding her hummingbirds grape jelly, playing in her garden, and doing yoga and making crafts with her Palm Desert neighbors. She also took great pride in keeping a warm and beautiful home where she welcomed all guests.

She is survived by 3 children; Dennis Cohoon of Utah, Patricia (Guy) Auld of Maryland and Debora (Brian) Wall of Maryland, 8 grandchildren and 3 siblings; Don (Faye) Thompson of Winter, Paulene Godfrey of Darlington and Mary Parson of Monroe, Washington.

Lorie was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Cohoon, parents; Paul & Eloise (Reed) Thompson, 1 son; Gregory Cohoon and 9 siblings; Russ, Robert, Max, Phil, Ralph, William, Georgiana, Linda and Grace Smallwood.

Lorayne will undoubtedly be remembered for her sparkling personality, creativity, deep faith, and unwavering love for her friends and family. Her warmth touched everyone who knew her, and her memory will live on through the many lives she enriched. 

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 Noon on Friday, May 22 at 1st United Methodist Church of Exeland with Rev. Mark A. Bartlett officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until Noon on Friday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Lorie's name to the church.

A complete obituary will also be published in the Ladysmith News and Sawyer County Gazette.