Obituary: Lorraine Conroy Jessen

Funeral services for Lorraine Conroy Jessen will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25, 2010 in the Prater-Lampton-Mills & Coffey Chapel in Hugo, Okla., with burial following in Showman's Rest in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Lorraine passed away Tuesday, Sept. 21 in Durant, Okla. at the age of 87.

Lorraine Conroy Jessen was born Aug. 11, 1923 in Los Angeles, the daughter of Lawrence F. and Clara L. (Hilger) Kramer. Lorraine loved to travel, and worked for Carson & Barnes and Kelly-Miller Circus for many years. She has many friends and circus family all over the United States. Lorraine had a real zest for life and positive attitude, and enjoyed volunteering in the community, both in Carson City and Hugo. In her early years she enjoyed playing golf, and in her later years she continued to enjoy watching golf. In addition, she loved to read and enjoyed shopping for bargains with her friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, James A. Conroy; her second husband, Jesse A. Jessen; one brother, Dale Kramer; and one sister, Joyce Kramer.

Lorraine is survived by five sons, Michael Conroy and wife Shirley, Stephen Conroy and wife Linda, Ronald Conroy, and Patrick Conroy and wife Shirley, all of Carson City, and Dennis Conroy of Honolulu, Hawaii; 10 grandchildren, David Dodgin, Shaun Conroy, Shane Conroy, Stephen Conroy, Megan Conroy, Jesse Conroy, Michael Orlick, Aaron Orlick, Connie Conroy, and Georgia Conroy; eight great-grandchildren; special friend, Carol Mendez; and all of her circus family and friends.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 24 in the Prater-Lampton-Mills & Coffey Chapel. Family and friends are invited to sign the guest book or send private condolences to the family at www.praterlampton.com.