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Lorraine POETTER Obituary

March 25, 1928 - May 4, 2025

Lorraine Jeanette (Zehm) Poetter, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at the age of 97. Born in Spring Valley, WA, on March 25, 1928, to Hattie (Kowalsky) and William Frederick Zehm Jr.

Lorraine graduated from Jenkins High School in 1945. Always dreaming of being the first June bride, Lorraine married Richard HJ Poetter by candlelight at midnight on June 1, 1945, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Chewelah, WA. They lived in Chewelah until 1954 when they moved to Spokane to raise their three children.

Lorraine dedicated her life to her family and faith; always a source of love, comfort and humor to those around her. She was known for her spunk and positivity. A faithful servant of the Lord, she always enjoyed time within her church community. To her family, she passed along the traditions that have sustained all of her children's and grand-children's marriages by example. Lorraine was also lovingly the measure of success as each child in her family grew. At a mighty 4'10 1/2", you always knew that as soon as you were taller than Grandma (Great-Grandma), you were on your way to growing up!

Lorraine was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Vernice, Clarence and Roy; and husband, Richard HJ Poetter, whom she was married to for nearly 70 years. Survivors include her sister, Marlene Neidlinger of Virginia; daughter, Pennie (Don) Rinck, Spokane; daughter, Janet (Jack) Hagan, Canon City, CO; son, Rick (Deb) Poetter, Spokane; eight grandchildren, Sherrie (Mark) Smith, Darin (Shawna) and Jeff (Sherry) Rinck, Erik (Emily), Jason (Daniell) and Andy (Amy) Hagan, Heather (Joel) Tibbetts, and Aaron (Dawn) Poetter; and seventeen great-grandchildren, Brooks, Caleb, Ella, Ellie, Emily (Kyle), Emma, Ephrem, Isabella (Alex), Jase, Kaden, Lily, Maggie, Reid, Tianna, Trevin, Willow and Zachary.

Lorraine requested that memorial gifts be donated to Trinity Lutheran Church, 4704 N. Wall St,, Spokane, WA 99205.

There will be a graveside service at Greenwood Cemetery, at 10:30am, on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. A memorial service will follow at 12:00pm, at Trinity Lutheran Church for all friends and family.

"Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life." Revelation 2:10

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Spokesman-Review on May 11, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Lorraine POETTER

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1 Entry

Janice Flyckt Burya

May 15, 2025

So sorry to hear of your dear mother's passing. I would have loved to have been to her memorial but was not able to make it that day. I always enjoy seeing all your family brings back a lot of wonderful memories. Take care and hope to see your one day! Love, Janice

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Memorial Events
for Lorraine POETTER

May

13

Memorial service

12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Trinity Lutheran Church (CLC)

4704 N Wall St, Spokane, WA 99205

May

13

Graveside service

10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Greenwood Memorial Terrace

211 N Government Way, Spokane, WA 99224

Funeral services provided by:

Riplinger Funeral Home & Crematory - Spokane

4305 N. Division St., Spokane, WA 99207

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