Lori Jean Waukau

Lori Jean Waukau, age 69, of Shawano, passed away on Friday, April 17, 2026, at her home surrounded by family after a courageous battle with cancer. Lori was born on August 18, 1956, in Keshena to the late Hilary and Edith (Skenadore) Waukau. She grew in up in Neopit and was very active in her youth playing golf, softball, and dancing to Motown music. Lori was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis at the age of 18, but she never let it slow her down, working all her life as Cashier, she enjoyed engaging with the community and vendors alike. Lori was a devoted member of St. Anthony Catholic Church and had volunteered for years at the St. Michael’s Food Pantry. Lori was especially known for her cooking, and famous recipes she prepared for many fundraisers. She had a great sense of humor with a contagious laugh; she was a feisty, strong-willed, generous woman who had a soft spot for her family. She loved spending time spoiling her granddaughters, “bumming” around with her many sisters, and especially her caretaker, best friend and niece Ashley Isham (Shante). Lori was known for having an open heart and home to all her family and helped raise so many adopted daughters, who in the end helped Lori pass in peace surrounded by love.
Lori is survived by her sons, Virgil (Tricia) Chevalier and Michael (Crystal) Chevalier; granddaughters, Ella, Callie, Claire, and Sophie; special daughter, Charlee Ann (Darin) Miller. God sons Reese Wilke and Richard Wilber Jr. Siblings, Stephanie (Bob) Henry, Jeff (Jamie) Waukau, Lenore (Pete B. Jones) Waukau, Mark (Elizabeth “Liz”) Waukau, Natalie Waukau, Annie (Jeff) Egan Waukau, Juanita “Teeta” (Rick) Wilber and Mitchell Waukau. She is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Lori is preceded in death by her siblings, Sarge (Patricia) Waukau, Berard (Candice) Waukau, Kim Waukau, and Mary Lou Waukau in infancy, and parents, Hilary and Edith Waukau.
Friends and family may visit St. Michael’s Parish Hall in Keshena, starting at 1:00pm on Thursday, April 23, 2026, until the procession leaves for the Funeral Mass being held at 11:00 am on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Neopit, with Fr. Hanz Christian officiating. Burial services will be held at St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery. Dinner to follow at the Neopit Community Center. Swedberg Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Lori’s family would like to thank all of the healthcare workers who assisted her through her journey, as well as the many friends and relatives who stopped in, brought gifts, or shared prayers and well-wishes.
www.swedbergfuneralhome.com