Lorraine Poetter

Lorraine Jeanette (Zehm) Poetter, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 4, 2025 at the age of 97. Born in Spring Valley, WA on March 25, 1928 to Hattie (Kowalsky) and William Frederick Zehm Jr.

Lorraine graduated from Jenkins High School in 1945. Always dreaming of being the first June bride, Lorraine married Richard HJ Poetter by candlelight at midnight on June 1, 1945 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Chewelah, WA. They lived in Chewelah until 1954 when they moved to Spokane to raise their three children.

Lorraine dedicated her life to her family and faith; always a source of love, comfort and humor to those around her. She was known for her spunk and positivity. A faithful servant of the Lord, she always enjoyed time within her church community. To her family, she passed along the traditions that have sustained all of her children’s and grand-children’s marriages by example. Lorraine was also lovingly the measure of success as each child in her family grew. At a mighty 4’10 1/2”, you always knew that as soon as you were taller than Grandma (Great-Grandma), you were on your way to growing up!

Lorraine was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Vernice, Clarence and Roy; and husband, Richard HJ Poetter whom she was married to for nearly 70 years. Survivors include her sister, Marlene Neidlinger of Virginia; daughter Pennie (Don) Rinck, Spokane; daughter Janet (Jack) Hagan, Canon City, CO; son Rick (Deb) Poetter, Spokane; eight grand-children: Sherrie (Mark) Smith, Darin (Shawna) and Jeff (Sherry) Rinck; Erik (Emily), Jason (Daniell) and Andy (Amy) Hagan; Heather (Joel) Tibbetts, Aaron (Dawn) Poetter; and seventeen great-grandchildren: Brooks, Caleb, Ella, Ellie, Emily (Kyle), Emma, Ephrem, Isabella (Alex), Jase, Kaden, Lily, Maggie, Reid, Tianna, Trevin, Willow and Zachary.

Lorraine requested that memorial gifts be donated to Trinity Lutheran church 4704 N Wall St, Spokane, WA 99205.

There will be a graveside service at Greenwood Cemetery at 10:30am on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. A memorial service will follow at 12:00pm at Trinity Lutheran Church for all friends and family.

“Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” Revelation 2:10