Worthington, MN
Eldred Walter “Al” Lorenz, age 68, was born on January 30, 1944 in Fergus Falls, MN, to Walter and Lorraine (Pettersen) Lorenz. Al spent his childhood days in the town of Winnebago, MN. His family moved to Sioux Valley, MN at the age of 14. He graduated from Sioux Valley High School in 1962. Al worked in construction and later for Nobles County. He was a member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church.
Eldred “Al” and Marlene Place were married on March 28, 1965 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sioux Valley, MN. The groom’s father, Walter Lorenz officiated the ceremony. Al and Marlene made their first home in Lakefield, MN. In 1968, Al and Marlene made Worthington, MN their home. It was Al’s passion for flying that brought them to Worthington. Al obtained his private and commercial license and went on to become a licensed flight instructor. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and woodworking. He liked spending time in Florida with friends. He also treasured the trips to Jackson Hole, WY and traveling through the mountains with family.
Al received a lung transplant on September 7, 2003 at the University of Minnesota. The medications Al was taking caused his kidneys to fail. A family friend, Karole Lieb, donated a kidney to Al on September 18, 2009. Due to complications of his illness, Al passed away at his home on Saturday, April 7, 2012.
Al is survived by his wife, Marlene Lorenz; his children, Brian (Ellen) Lorenz of Jackson Hole, WY and Dawn (Jeff) Portner of New Ulm, MN; four grandchildren, Nick, Alex, Jacob and Taya; sister, Betty (Vern) Gundermann of Kirkwood, MO and brother, Ken (Ilene) Lorenz of Hastings, MN. Al was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Annette.
His family was blessed with the opportunity to celebrate his life with him the past several months during his illness and they will cherish the memories forever. A private family service is planned.
Visitation will held on Friday, April 13, 2012, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at the Benson Funeral Home in Worthington, MN.
Memorials are suggested to Hospice Cottage of Worthington, MN, Box 203, Worthington, MN 56187 or Second Chance for Life, PO Box 131462, Roseville, MN 55113.
