Lorraine Kokkeler

Lorraine Kokkeler

Sister, Mother, Grandmother and Friend

July 18, 1957 — July 25, 2024

Lorraine was called by the Lord Almighty to join him in heaven on July 25, while fishing with her sister Teri and daughter Robin in Red Lodge. She loved to fish and camp and think this was the way she and God intended for her to leave this world to another.

Lorraine was born in Billings and spent her entire life in Big Sky Country, which she loved dearly. She attended school in Billings and Phillipsburg, and graduated from Belfry High School in 1976. She enjoyed sports in school and loved softball, golf and bowling and, of course,, having a fishing rod in her hands.

She also loved her animals, whether it was her cats, dogs and especially her horses. She belonged to the Billings Saddle Club for many years growing up and competed in many evens and won many all-round trophies with her horses. She also belonged to Lively Livestock 4-H and showed horses and fat beef at the Billings Fair.

Almost all of Lorraine’s jobs revolved around serving people; they always took a liking to her and became lifelong friends. She liked being a bartender, as she could always make people laugh and convince them that life was good, no matter how tough you might have it. She ran the Soda Butte Lodge in Cooke City for many years. She loved having her family come up and help with the lodge when they could. Think this place was one of the favorite memories of everyone in the family. “What happens in Cooke City, stays in Cooke City” was Lorraine’s saying.

Lorraine also worked at the Laurel Nursing Home as a chef for a time. She was one of the best cooks and cooked just like her mother. There, she was more than a cook to the residents, as she would also help them with their hair and nails in her spare time. She always made time for others regardless of it they were family, friend or people she just met.

Lorraine was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Delores Walter. Survivors include her brother, Robert and Carol Walter of Laurel; sister Terri Jackson and Charles Holy Cross of Park City; Bill and Maddy Walter of Nine Mile Falls, Washington; daughter Robin and Eric Stauffer of Billings; son Rick Kokkeler of Laurel; granddaughter Madison Stauffer of Billings; granddaughter Danelle Stauffer of San Diego; grandson Andrew Kokkeler of Belgrade; numerous nieces and nephews; and Lorraine’s best friend, “Luigi,” the basset hound.

A service for Lorraine and the spreading of her ashes will be announced later when arrangements are finalized with the immediate family.

Donations can be made to any animal shelter or animal rescue of your choice.