Lorraine Mary Barak, age 71, of the Kipling Location of Gladstone passed away on Friday morning, June 5th, 2009, at St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba.

Lorraine was born January 26th, 1938 in Kipling, the daughter of John and Josephine (Marinac) Barak who were Croatian immigrants to Delta County.

She was a lifelong resident of Kipling and was a 1956 graduate of the Gladstone High School where she was named valedictorian of her class. Lorraine began working for Mead Paper Co shortly after graduation and she remained there all her working life until her retirement as a purchasing agent.

Lorraine was an active and faithful member of All Saints Church and   demonstrated and lived her Christianity through many quiet acts of charity and kindnesses to family and friends. However, it is no secret to family and friends about her love of animals. Lorraine was known to assist any stray animal with professional medical care, food, and love. There was always room in her heart for another distressed animal in addition to her own pets.

Lorraine was proud of her of her Croatian and Kipling heritage and she proudly displayed her legal Michigan license plate, “Kipling” on her vehicle. She considered a number of Kipling area residents and her work family at “Mead” as her extended family. Lorraine was also a member of the Bay Sages and the Croatian Fraternal Union.       

Lorraine Barak’s survivors include:

2 Brothers- Frank (Marguerite) Barak of Gladstone; Joseph (Carol) Barak of Muskego, Wisconsin

a local nephew, now living in Dimondale, Michigan, John (Kendra) Barak and their children, Benjamin and Reilly.

She also leaves to survive special friends, Angie Valencic, Jan Bernson, and John and Pat Lagina.
Lorraine was preceded in death by her mother and father.

The family of Lorraine Barak will receive friends on Monday, June 8th at the Skradski Funeral home in Gladstone from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will follow on Monday at 6:00 p.m. at All Saints Church with Rev. Fr. Arnold Grambow officiating. Luncheon will follow services in the church parish hall. Burial will be by her parents in Fernwood Cemetery.  

The family respectfully request memorials be directed to the All Saints Church Elevator Fund or the Delta County Animal Shelter. Envelopes will be available at the Skradski-Boyce Funeral Homes of Delta County who are assisting the Barak family.