Lorraine R. Deckinga

Lorraine R. Deckinga, nee Vanderwall, age 94, beloved wife for 70 years to the late Arthur N. Deckinga (2024). Loving mother of Jerrold (Donna), Randall (Laura) and Richard (Donna). Cherished grandmother of Steven (Kelly) Deckinga, Sara (Kurt) Vellekoop, Scott Deckinga; Nick (Lydia) Deckinga, Jake (Karolina) Deckinga, Rachel (Danny) Friedenfelds, Erin Doody, Kyle Doody; Rachel Deckinga, Tiffany (Bryan) Stevens and Brian (Caitlin) Deckinga. Dearest great-grandmother of Evan, Lillian, Liam, Gavin; Maddox, Jamison, Cooper, Bradyn, Lincoln; and Delaney. Dear sister of the late Dorothy (late Melvin) Boersma. Dear sister-in-law of Derk (Jan and the late Marge) Deckinga, Marilyn (late Bill) VanHowe and the late Jennie (late Clarence) Laning, Claus "Bud" (late Alice) Deckinga, Hank (late Dena) Deckinga, Tracy (late Peter) Herlein, Ida (late Ray) Boss, Peter (late Yvonne) Deckinga and John "Dub" (Marilyn) Deckinga. Dear aunt of many nieces and nephews.

Lorraine and her beloved husband Art brought daily laughter and warmth to their life together. They cherished their time together in Florida, where the sun and smiles always seemed to follow them. Lorraine enjoyed golfing with Art and celebrated two hole-in-ones on the golf course. Though Art never achieved a hole-in-one, his love and partnership were lifelong victories that enriched their years together.

Lorraine answered a call to faith and service. She poured her heart into church life, guiding families and young people as a Calvinette and GEMS counselor. She touched many lives through Vacation Bible School and the choir. A devoted member of her church, she brought warmth , kindness and steady faith to every gathering.

As a charter volunteer who helped start the thrift store Pass It On, Lorraine embodied generosity in action. She believed in lifting others up and creating community through giving, and her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the programs she helped nurture.

Lorraine and Art resided at Palos Senior Living in Palos Heights in their later years. They enjoyed participating in resident activities and they left a lasting, warm impression on their neighbors and the staff.

Visitation Sunday, April 19, 2026 from 2-6 p.m. at Colonial Chapel, 15525 S. 73rd Ave. (155th/Wheeler Dr. & Harlem) Orland Park, IL. Additional Visitation Monday, April 20, 2026 at Palos Heights Christian Reformed Church, 7059 W. 127th St., Palos Heights, IL from 10:00 a.m. until time of her Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. A live stream of the service will be available. Please visit Lorraine’s obituary on Colonial Chapel’s website at colonialchapel.com to view the live stream. A link will be posted shortly. Burial private at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, IL. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Chicago Christian Schools, 12001 S. Oak Park Ave., Palos Heights, IL 60463 CLICK HERE TO DONATE ONLINE are appreciated.

Express your thoughts and condolences at colonialchapel.com 708-532-5400