Herzer celebrates her 101st birthday
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KINGSFORD -- Hard work and a little bit of wine are the secrets to Lorraine Herzer's long life. She celebrated her 101st birthday Thursday at Optalis Healthcare in Kingsford with her niece, Debbie Bastian of Spread Eagle, Wis., along with residents and staff.
Bastian said Lorraine is the oldest of six children born to John and Laura Makowski of Aurora, Wis. Her brother, Paul Makowski, and youngest sister, Lois Martin, are still living. She was preceded in death by siblings Margaret Makowski, John Makowski and Stanley Makowski.
She twice enlisted in the military, the first time in the 1940s, where she served as a mechanic, according to Bastian. Lorraine was also a nanny, beautician and secretary at Herzer Gear in Milwaukee, the company founded by her husband, Henry Herzer. They were married for 25 years but had no children. She also lived for a while with the nuns in Green Bay, Wis., and contemplated becoming a nun herself, she said.
She living on her own until she was 94, and was at Pinecrest Medical Care Facility in Powers for several years before coming to Kingsford in June. Bastian said she still has many friends at the Powers facility.