Obituary: Marion “Mimpsy” L. (Tracy) Orlock

November 11, 1928 ~ February 16, 2023

Marion “Mimpsy” L. Orlock, 94, of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, died Thursday, February 16, 2023, in the late afternoon surrounded by her family. She had been battling various health ailments for the past few months, so when the end came, it was a blessing that relieved her suffering however much she’ll be missed.

The oldest of three children of Elmer and Adeleine (Giovannoni) Tracy, Mrs. Orlock was born November 11, 1928, in Hinsdale, Illinois. She grew up a farm girl and attended public schools in the community, graduating from Hinsdale High School before taking a secretarial position at the Homer Gwinn Insurance Company, where she met her future husband, John A. Orlock. The two were married on January 27, 1950, and together raised a family of seven children, residing first in Hinsdale and later in Downers Grove: Pamela Louise Foulk of Sturgeon Bay, Michael John (Liz) of Sturgeon Bay, Robert John (Trish) of Madison, Alabama, Jane Louise Bawel (Brandon) of Downers Grove, Patricia Louise Schaefer (Mark) of Evanston, and Amy Louise Wagner (Joe) of Downers Grove.

Mrs. Orlock and her husband retired to Sturgeon Bay, a favorite vacation spot, in 1989. She became active in the community, volunteering for various organizations, such as Helpline and continuing adult education in learning in retirement, where she developed an interest and talent in watercolors and acrylic painting. Some of her work appeared in various galleries and displays in the Sturgeon Bay Public Library. She was also active in church affairs at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Sturgeon Bay. She enjoyed socializing with friends and relatives, especially during summer months. She and her husband were enthusiastic bike riders and could often be seen cruising the quiet country roads of the county on extended “bike hikes”. She also enjoyed reading, writing silly poems, the occasional movie and play, caring for her cat, Pudd’n, and playing bridge on a regular basis up through late 2022, when growing health problems curtailed her social activities.

She is survived by each of her children; 21 grandchildren, Jennifer Arias, Eric Cletcher, Meghan Cletcher, Ryan Cletcher, Daniel Cletcher, Anne Cletcher, Tara Evans, Christopher Orlock, Nicholas Orlock, Jessica Herzog, Emily Orlock, Gus Orlock, Jason Happel, Tim Happel, Melissa Happel, Chuck Bawel, Brooke McCarty, Sam Graf, Danielle Schaefer, Lawrence Wagner, and Anne Wagner; and 21 great-grandchildren, Erin, Evelyn, Stella, Opal, Levi, Lyla, Kapri, Kayla, Rory, Rosi, Addie, Connor, Parker, Carson, Hayley, Jaden, Jacob, Valis, Carter, Nash, and Tripp.

Mrs. Orlock was preceded in death by her parents; two younger siblings, Melvin and Jeanne; her beloved husband of 60 years, John, who passed away October 13, 2010; and great-grandson, Mason Potter.

A Memorial Mass to honor her life will be held on Monday, February 27, 2023 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Sturgeon Bay at 11:00 a.m.

Visitation for friends and family will be held at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be given to Compassus Hospice in consideration of the care offered by their wonderful staff in the last weeks of Mrs. Orlock’s life.

Huehns Funeral Home, Inc. & Door County Crematory LLC of Sturgeon Bay are assisting the Orlock family. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Mrs. Orlock may be shared with her family through her tribute page at www.huehnsfuneralhome.com.