George Lorenz was born April 20, 1914, the son of Herman and Elizabeth (Steckelberg) Lorenz on their farm NW of Kiester. George died Friday, Dec. 25, 2009. A Memorial Service will be held in the Spring of 2010. Information will be available on the website of the funeral home: brussheitnerfuneralhome.com.
Memorials are preferred by the family to Hospice.
He attended country school and graduated from high school in Kiester. He attended the University of Minnesota Farm School in St. Paul and graduated from 1935.
He married Eula Nielsen June 20, 1936, at the United Brethren Church in Kiester. They farmed SW of Wells until retirement, but maintained their home on the farm. They spent the winter months in Mesa, Ariz., and summer months at their farm home. His priorities were being faithful to God, his family and community.
He was a member of the Rice Lake United Methodist Church, where he served in many capacities, including Sunday School Superintendent, Secretary of Church Board, Chairman of the Building Committee and Sunday school teacher, and later became a member of the Wells United Methodist Church. During the winter months, he attended Velda Rose United Methodist Church in Mesa, Ariz., where he participated in many activities.
He served on many boards in the community. He was president of the County Fair Board, a 4-H club leader, chairman of the school board and president of the County Zoning and Planning Commission. He was president of both the State Holstein and Hampshire Swine Associations. He served on the advisory board of the University of Minnesota at Waseca. Locally, he served as president of the Lincoln Creamery, secretary of the Farmers’ Elevator and vice-president of the R. E. A. He also served on the Walnut Lake Township Board.
He farmed all his life and was interested in breeding and raising pure-bred livestock with exhibits at county, state and national shows for over 50 years.
His first wife Eula passed away July 1, 1995. On Nov. 16, 1996, he married Marian Hill of Mesa, Ariz. They continue to spend the summer months in Minnesota and winter months in Arizona.
He is survived by his wife, Marian; daughter, Ruth (James) Clikeman, of Des Moines, Iowa; grandson, Bradford Clikeman; great-granddaughter, Malaya Clikeman; one brother, Forest Lorenz of Wells; sisters-in-law: Alvera Lorenz of California and Berdina Lorenz of Wells; special friend, Juanita Beyer of Wells; along with several nieces and nephews and their families.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Eula; granddaughter, Tamara Lee Clikeman; two brothers: Ralph in WWII and John of Kiester.