Lorraine Helen Schuster, 88, of Dubuque, IA, peacefully passed into the arms of our Lord on August 18, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Friends and family may visit from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at St. Columbkille Catholic Church.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday at the church with Rev. Martin Coolidge officiating. Burial will follow at Holy Family Catholic Cemetery – New Melleray. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, is assisting the family.

Lorraine was born on September 6, 1937, to Francis and Thelma (Brown) Speaker. She was raised on a farm in Menominee, IL, attended Ridge School, a one room schoolhouse, and Immaculate Conception Academy. After graduating high school, she worked as a legal secretary in Dubuque where she advocated for (and got!) pay raises for herself and all the girls.

One starry night at Moonlight Gardens, Bill Schuster asked her to dance, they’ve been dancing together ever since. They married on September 15,1956, at St. Mary’s Church in Galena, IL and made a home in Key West, IA. As their family expanded, they built a home in Dubuque where they raised their five beloved daughters. As the girls grew older, Lorraine went back to work, first at Loras College, then as the payroll manager at Sunnycrest Manor.

In addition to being a busy mom, Lorraine also made time to volunteer as a Girl Scout leader and an active member of Mother’s Club, St. Columbkille’s Church, parish prayer line, and Birthright of Dubuque. During these busy years, the family welcomed Kim Chi Tiffany Nguyen into their home while she found her new home in America.

Lorraine was a loving wife, mom, and grandma, and she enjoyed a rich social life with lifelong friends at lively block parties, lunch with her girlfriends, picnics at the farm, and card club. She will be remembered as a wonderful cook, especially her homemade roast beef and mashed potato dinners with cherry AND apple pie for dessert. She had a beautiful singing voice, and if nudged enough, she would bring out her red accordion and play Mockin’ Bird Hill or the Tennessee Waltz.

Lorraine is survived by her loving husband, Bill, her five daughters, Shari (J.P.) McGuire, Debbie Schuster, Kelly (Jim) Lynch, Julie (Rob) Jones, and Lynn Schuster (Eric DeYoung); treasured grandchildren: Sean, Katie, and Liam (Sydney) McGuire; Angel Schuster; Erin and Kristin Lynch; Sam and Andy Jones; Will DeYoung; and 1 great-grandchild, Callahan McGuire; two siblings: Bob Speaker and Joan (Martin) Dillon, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Francis and Thelma Speaker, sister-in-law Phyllis Speaker, and niece Angie Speaker DeWilfond.

The family wishes to thank the caring staff of Bethany Home and Hospice of Dubuque. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Hospice of Dubuque or Birthright of Dubuque.