21581 Lorenz Folder.Indd

Lawrence Lorenz was a very generous man who cared deeply for his family. Larry was not someone consumed by material gains in life, but by the satisfaction of putting his family and others fi rst and doing the best job he could with whatever task was at hand. 1931 found most of the United States deep in the Great Depression. Many people were without jobs and life was very diffi cult. Just outside of Chicago in Bellwood, Illinois, the Lorenz family was keeping positive spirits despite the terrible hardships of the time by focusing on the newest blessing in their lives. On August 28, 1931, they welcomed the birth of their son, Lawrence Frederick, the youngest of their seven children. Along with his siblings, Larry spent his growing up years in Bellwood and was raised in the Lutheran faith. He received his education in the area schools, and played baseball at Proviso East High school. After high school he worked for International Harvester, played Semi-pro Baseball, and even found time to coach area Little League teams as well. Later he followed the same patriotic calling of many other young men at the time, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He bravely served in the Korean War until his honorable discharge in 1959. After the war, Larry returned to Bellwood, he went on to attend Elmhurst Community College, and began learning the trade of tool making. Larry met his beloved wife, Roberta “Bobbe” (Hupka), through his sister, who worked with her at the telephone company. The two soon fell in love and were married on May 21, 1966 in Broadview Illinois. Over the next few years, Larry and Bobbe were blessed with two wonderful children: Lawrence born in 1967, and Cara born in 1969. To support his growing family, Larry worked at Acme Eyelet, a manufacturing company in St. Charles, Illinois, until 1976, and then took a new job at Trans Matic Manufacturing in Holland, Michigan, which ultimately brought the family to Michigan. Over his 20 year career at Trans Matic, Larry worked as a tool maker, but eventually became a Manager. When it came to his leisure time, Larry had several activities he enjoyed. He bowled for several years on numerous leagues, and he and Bobbe were avid golfers and members of the West Shore Golf Course in Douglas. The two also enjoyed going on golf trips together, trying out different courses. When their kids were little, they all loved to go fi shing and took several vacation fi shing trips to Wisconsin. In recent years Larry and his sister, Micky, loved to go to the casinos together, hoping to win that million. An avid reader, Larry enjoyed books about history and mystery, and when it came to his favorite food, it was a good, juicy steak. It was only natural after growing up in Chicago, that he would be a big fan of the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bulls and of course, the Chicago Bears. Larry was a member of the VFW of Holland and the Moose Lodge of Chicago. Larry was a man who cared for everyone he knew, and he expressed this care through his immeasurable generosity and willingness to always lend a helping hand. For many years, he selfl essly gave to charities monthly; such as American Legion, Salvation Army, Humane Society, 2nd Chance for Greyhounds, Moose Heart, Disabled Veterans, and the Parkinson’s foundation. Larry was a talented man and could do many things, yet it was his incredibly kind heart that made him the man people were proud to know. He will be dearly missed. Lawrence Frederick Lorenz, age 75, of Holland, MI, died on Friday May 25, 2007, at Hospice House of Holland. He was preceded in death by his wife, Roberta, in 1994. His family includes his children: Lawrence Lorenz and Amy DeWitt of Holland, MI, and Cara and Brian Heffner of Traverse City, MI; one granddaughter, Elyse Roberta Heffner; his sisters, Judy Mitz of West Chicago, and Margaret Zerdin of Holland, MI; several nieces, nephews and cousins. Services will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 30, at the Northwood Chapel, Dykstra Life Story Funeral Home, 295 Douglas Avenue, Holland, MI. Burial will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery. Visiting will be from 7-9 p.m. on Tuesday, May 29, at the funeral home. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory or condolences or sign his online guest book. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Holland..

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