Professor Lorie A. Vanchena, 61 of Lawrence, KS, formerly of Kenosha, WI passed away on December 2, 2022, after a long battle with Glioblastoma, brain cancer.
Born and raised in Kenosha, WI, Lorie graduated Tremper High School in 1979 as Valedictorian and went on to receive her Doctoral Degree in German Studies at Washington University in St. Louis. Her studies took her abroad several times to Germany, and while living there, she witnessed the removal of the Berlin Wall. Upon returning to the States, Lorie started her teaching career at Creighton University.
In 2008, Lorie moved to Lawrence, KS and continued her studies and teachings at the University of Kansas. Over the course of Lorie’s career at KU, she received several grants and awards for exceptional student mentoring. Lorie also published several books and was Director of the Max Kade Center for German-American Studies at the University of Kansas. She enjoyed talking basketball and cheering on the Jayhawks.
Her hobbies included music, playing the piano, gardening, and photography, but her passion was taking care of her beloved Beagle, Tipper, who also passed shortly before Lorie did.
Lorie is survived by her brother Mike (Lori) Vanchena, and her uncle, Ralph Morrone, all of Kenosha, WI.
Lorie was preceded in death by a sister, Georgia Ann, and her parents, George & Angie Vanchena.
Lorie’s family would like to thank her medical team along with the staff at Bridge Haven Care Facility, Elara Caring, Apple Home Health and all of their staff members for their compassion and loving care provided to Lorie during these trying times. Thank you, also, to Mike Davies and Rebecca Wempe for their guidance and support.
And a special thank you to Dr. JoDee Ahrens, a lifelong family friend. Our deepest gratitude to JoDee, not only for her professionalism, but also for being a caring friend.
In keeping with Lorie’s wishes, there will be no services, and she will be laid to rest beside her family in Kenosha, WI. Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, Lawrence, KS, is assisting the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in memory of Lorie to the Lawrence Humane Society, 1805 E. 19th Street, Lawrence, KS, 66046.
I live in Lorie’s neighborhood and would often see her walking Tipper. I was so sorry to hear she was sick. I will miss her.
I came to know Lorie several years ago as she was my patient in PT. After reading the other comments, I fully agree. She was such a hard worker and wanted to get the most out of every session. She was kind, enthusiastic, and I could tell she was passionate about her profession. A life gone too soon. My sympathy to her remaining family.
Condolences to Lorie‘s family, friends, colleagues, students, neighbors and care-takers. May Lorie‘s brilliance, passion, kindness and generosity continue to inspire all of us who were fortunate to have known her.
This is Amina I am 8 years old .I am Lori neighbor I took care of her every day. Tyler Osgood walked her dog tipper every day. Until they moved away.we all love her .I love her a lot. she was suffering a lot I am glad she isn’t anymore thank you everyone for these words I love you so does God . God loves you
I first met Lorie when out paths crossed helping a student with some transfer work at KU. She was most certainly a student advocate on our campus. During the pandemic we found out we were neighbors as we met while regularly walking our dogs. She was such a kind soul and we often would visit for extended periods about all things from my kids to KU and our dogs. I’m sorry to hear of her and Tipper’s passing and hold her family and friends in my thoughts.
So very sorry to lose Lorie, a valued colleague with whom I always enjoyed visiting. May her memory be a blessing
I am deeply saddened to hear of Lori’s passing. She was always an incredibly positive, supportive, kind, and caring colleague. Absolutely a bright, shining light. She will be very much missed.
Lorie’s irrepressible good cheer and enthusiasm for teaching and learning made her a delightful colleague. With her loss, our KU community has lost some of its warmth and light.
I will miss her.
Rest in peace, Lorie. You had to fight for so long.
I am sad to hear that my dear friend has passed away. Lorie and I met in Göttingen, Germany, a long time ago when she was doing research for her doctoral thesis on German 19th century political poetry. We were roommates for a little while and remained friends ever since, even after she went back to the US and there were thousands of miles between us. It was always good to see her, and we enjoyed to discuss strange German habits, small everyday matters and big politics, movies, music and literature, to cook and eat pasta. She became part of a circle of friends in Germany and got to know my family. Among many beautiful days we spent together I will always in particular remember the three days we went hiking at Sequioa National Park, since we both loved to be out in nature. And this place was so special. I like to imagine that she is there now, somewhere among the beautiful giant trees with their soft bark, Tipper by her side, and relaxing from what she has been through.
I will miss you.
And I send my condolences to her family.
Lorie was such a wonderful neighbor and I enjoyed our talks out on the sidewalk while walking our dogs. The kids loved Lorie and Tipper. She was also so supportive of educators. We will miss you Lorie
So sorry to hear that Lorie isn’t among us, but glad she is no longer suffering. I’ll always think of her sense of humor and intelligence, as well as her empathy for animals
Eternal rest grant unto her, Oh Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. Rest in Peace, dear Dr. Lorie…