Lori A. Promenschenkel
Born: March 29, 1963 in Streator, IL.
Died: February 27, 2025 in Brighton, CO.
Lori Anne Promenschenkel, 61, of Brighton, Colorado, passed away peacefully in her home on February 27, 2025.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, March 22nd at St. Michael the Archangel Church, Streator.
Visitation will be from 8:30 A.M. until 9:40 A.M. Saturday, March 22nd at the St. Michael the Archangel Church, Streator. A rosary will be recited at 9:40 A.M.
Burial will be in St. Stephen's Cemetery, Streator. Cremation rites have been accorded.
A Colorado memorial service will follow at the end of March, featuring a memorial mass and reception. Further details will be provided as they become available.
Lori was born March 29, 1963 in Streator, Illinois, the eldest of three children of Chris and Arlene Promenschenkel. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Stephen's Catholic Church. Lori cherished her childhood, growing up with a wonderful family and community in Streator. She fondly remembered spending time with friends on Stacy Avenue, helping her grandparents on the farm and playing with her cousins, working at her dad's, Chris', flower shop, trips to Rockford, and gathering with family for holiday celebrations. She graduated from Streator High School in 1981, and with her associates degree from Illinois Valley Community College in 1983.
After a visit to Colorado when Lori was 16, she promised herself one day she would call it home. At 20 years old, she kept her promise and moved out to Colorado and planted roots. She found joy exploring the mountains with friends, climbing 35 of Colorado's 58 14ers. She had a deep love of Colorado's natural environment and an adventurous spirit, enjoying activities such as camping, fishing, hiking, skiing, and snowmobiling.
She began her career in shipping and handling at Joslins department store, forming close friendships with her coworkers. She joined UPS in 1990, beginning her 34-year career as a clerk in the Commerce City and Aurora hubs. She always went above and beyond to ensure packages reached their owners. She personally called customers to gather the information she needed. As she would often say, "It's not just a box; it's a customer and I treat them how I would want to be treated". Her work ethic and care are often unmatched and is a model of virtue. She retired from UPS in September of 2024.
She married in 1990 and started a family before her divorce in 2011. She experienced the heartbreak of a miscarriage to Ellis Ryen, and had two children, Austin Promenschenkel and McKenna Uhing of Brighton.
Motherhood was her favorite role; she was devoted to her children. She raised her children with values of hard work, generosity for others, unending faith, and making a place better than you found it. She ensured they received the best education and volunteered much of her time to help support teachers.
Her generosity and care for others shined through in all her actions. Among her other volunteer works, she helped the church as an extraordinary minister, catechism teacher, and money counter. She shared her love of nature and sense of service with her kids by volunteering at the local state park for lake cleanup. Her generosity extended to the animals she cared for as pets, including bunnies, guinea pigs, and even chickens. She gladly offered to pet sit for animals of any size and shape: dogs, gray parrots, and alpacas.
The adventures continued after her children grew up. She enjoyed geocaching, kayaking, biking, hiking, and taking numerous walks around the neighborhood. In 2017, she became more involved with her lifelong interest in hot air balloons. After attending several hot air ballooning festivals, she met a hot air balloon pilot and began crewing. Over time, she got to know more of the ballooning community. She had the chance to crew and fly countless times in beautiful places in Colorado, from the plains of Rocky Ford to the beautiful mountains of Steamboat Springs, as well as in several neighboring states.
In the fall of 2022, Lori was diagnosed with Stage 4 bile duct cancer. Her dedicated oncology doctors helped extend her life for 2.5 years. During this trying time of numerous treatments, Lori maintained a joyful attitude and inspirational hope. She deepened her faith and trust in God, truly surrendering to His will. She modeled faith to all by asking for prayers and attending healing masses. Her healing, although not physical, was of the heart and soul. Despite the darkness of cancer, she shined her light to all the hospital caregivers and to her family and friends that supported her.
Lori is survived by her mother Arlene Promenschenkel of Streator, IL; her sister Lisa (Robert) and her nieces and nephews Sean, Bethany, Elaina, and Alex Jost of Wheaton, IL; her sister-in-law Kerri (Eric) Promenschenkel, and her children Austin Promenschenkel and McKenna Uhing of Brighton, CO. She is predeceased by her miscarried child, her brother Eric Promenschenkel, and her father Chris Promenschenkel. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to UCHealth Cancer Center and The Denver Hospice for providing quality care in every stage.
Memorial donations may be directed to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or a charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.solontelford.com