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Lori's Livestream Service will begin at 11 a.m. CT on Thursday, August 7, 2025. Scroll down to the Webcast section and click on "Watch Now"

OREGON - On July 31, 2025, Lori Deegan, age 61, of Oregon, passed away from a long battle with cancer, surrounded by her family and leaving behind countless people who loved her profoundly.

She was born on May 16, 1964, in Monroe, Wis., the daughter of Joe and Ellen (Hughes) Milz. Lori graduated from Oregon High School in 1982, where she was a clarinet player in the Oregon Marching Band. Following her education at Madison Business College, she enjoyed working at Alliant Energy for nearly 40 years prior to her retirement in 2022.

On August 15, 1987, Lori married the love of her life, Mark Deegan, at Holy Mother of Consolation Catholic Church in Oregon. As a longtime member of the church, she both volunteered her time to teach Sunday school and embodied the kindness and welcoming acceptance of God in her life outside of the church walls.

Lori was selfless, positive, and retained her distinctive sense of humor, even in the midst of the most difficult times in her life. She adored being a wife, mother, and grandma more than anything in the world, sharing her joy through laughter, cooking one of her many famous dishes - the best mashed potatoes! - and offering words of support to those she loved. The most rewarding part of Lori’s life was watching her three children grow: she enjoyed every moment of their childhood extracurricular activities and seeing them build their lives and families as adults. A proud grandma of five, she ensured there was never a shortage of ice cream, Hershey’s Kisses, clothes, or love in her grandchildren’s lives, spoiling them rotten. Truly, to know her was to love her.

One of her very favorite places to be was “up north” to the family cabin in De Soto that overlooks the Mississippi river, a spot where she could unwind to the sound of wind chimes in the breeze, and - most importantly - be with her family whom she loved so much.

Lori is survived by her husband, Mark; her children, Bryan (Sara) Deegan, Brittny (Andy) Behrend and Brennen (Shelbey) Deegan; grandchildren, Everly, Riley, Anna, Celine and August; parents, Joe and Ellen; sister, Lisa Jess; brothers, Joey (Sandy) Milz and Jimmy (Jerilyn) Milz; along with nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Robert Jess.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at HOLY MOTHER OF CONSOLATION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 651 N. Main St., Oregon, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, August 7, 2025. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the mass on Thursday.

The family wishes to thank the UW Hospital and Clinics for their care and support given to Lori and her family. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Oregon
Funeral & Cremation Care
1150 Park St.
(608) 835-3515

Lori Ann Deegan

May 16, 1964 - July 31, 2025

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