LORENZEN, William 1934-2012

LORENZEN, HANISCH, OKONES, PATON

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 3/25/2015 at 11:19:33

William "Bill" Dirk Lorenzen, 77, of Reinbeck, Iowa, died peacefully Sunday March 11, 2012 in his home surrounded by family and friends under the care of Iowa Hospice. Funeral services will be 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, March 14, 2012, at United Methodist Church in Reinbeck, Iowa, with Rev. Terry Plocher officiating. Burial will follow at the Washington Township Cemetery rural Morrison, Iowa with military honors being conducted by the Reinbeck American Legion Action Post # 242. Visitation will be Tuesday, March 13, 2012, from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at French Hand Funeral Home in Reinbeck, where there will also be a Masonic Service at 6:30 P.M. performed by the Coin Lodge #394. Memorials may be made to the family.

Bill was born June 10, 1934 in rural Grundy County, southeast of Reinbeck, to Elmer Lorenzen and Ada (Hanisch) Lorenzen. He graduated from Reinbeck High School with the class of 1952. After graduation, he worked for Breakenridge Farms before being drafted into the US Army. When Bill returned home from the Army, he worked several different jobs in the Reinbeck area including a John Deere mechanic and a farmer. Bill always said, "After being flooded out in the creek bottom for two years in a row, I was completely broke and Cordell and Cork Peterson gave me a job." With that sly grin of his, he would add, "At that time, I had more than they did!" He continued to work for PCI until his death; approximately 41 years. He was requested by many farmers for his expertise in waterways and terraces. Bill will long be remembered for his heavy equipment operating skills.

In the midst, Bill reconnected with high school classmate Billye Gene (Paton) OKones. Following the Lorenzen tradition, they were married at The Little Brown Church on April 27, 1978. They finally settled in the home of their dreams on 207 Walnut Street. Billye brought three kids into this union that Bill lovingly accepted as his own. They will forever be grateful to him for how much he loved their mom and each of them. Bill was so proud of their six grandchildren, and participated in their lives whenever he could. Anyone could see the love between Bill and Billye Gene and the fun that they had together; they loved their life and their friends. Together they were members of the Order of the Eastern Star. Bill and Billye were Worthy Patron and Worthy Matron, with Bill being remembered for his word perfect delivery. When Billye Gene passed away in 2001, Bill lost the love of his life.

Bill's family meant the world to him. The Lorenzen family gatherings were a highlight of every year. He looked forward to any opportunity to spend time with his brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, and the next generation. He just found several ways to impact each and every one of their lives in one way or another. Uncle Bill was everyone's favorite. The stories to be told are humorous and numerous.

Hunting. Anything. Everything. Anytime. Anywhere. It was his passion. After many miles, many states, and many hours in the stand ... that's another story for another time.

When Bill attempted to 'semi' retire, he bought an acreage on the Lake of the Ozarks in Climax Springs, Missouri. His eyes lit up whenever he talked about his "old huntin' shack." As life threw him a curve, he wasn't able to enjoy it nearly enough.

Bill truly will be missed by the many people's hearts he touched. He is survived by his children: Rhonda Nicholas (and Toby Huisman); Shelley Bernier (and Eddie Graefestein); Dick OKones (and his wife, Kelli) and six grandchildren: Willow Raley & Dakota Nicholas, Justin Bernier & Chelsea Brown, and Brandy & Britny OKones, and siblings: Russell Lorenzen (and his wife, Frances); June Meikle (and her husband Roger); twin brother, Donn (and his wife Marian); Loren (and his wife Luane); Sandy Seemann (and late husband, Lee).

Proceeded in death by: His wife, Billye Gene Lorenzen; Parents, Elmer and Ada Lorenzen.

--Abels Funeral Homes (www.abelsfuneralhomes.com)