Merle W. Lorenz

Merle William Lorenz,89, born March 28, 1926 in Aurora, IL to Peter and Mary(Sachen) Lorenz passed peacefully from this world June 4, 2015 at Presence Mercy Center in Aurora with family members at his bedside. Merle was an active, strong, and hard working person who began his days on his parents' pig farm on the east side of Aurora. He continued to walk and bike daily year round into his senior years. He attended East Aurora H.S. and spent 2 years in the army as a tank commander with the 776 Tank Battalion. He did not see major action in WWII, but was stationed in Japan as part of the occupation forces. After returning home, he married the love of his life, Shirley Jean, on September 20, 1947, made their home on the west side of Aurora, and had four children. He spent 40 years working as a sheet metal worker for Gengler Heating and Air Conditioning in Aurora. He is survived by his children, Janice Lorenz, Chicago, Konnie Kosek (Wayne), Fort Collins, CO, Gary Lorenz (Shauna), Huntley, IL, and Ann Montgomery (Mark), of Geneva, IL. He has 5 grand children, Megan Rady (Brock) Huntley, IL, Derek Kosek (Jill), Chicago, IL, Jenna Sleeper (Tyler), Shawnee, KS, and Cole and Logan Montgomery, Geneva, IL. He has 2 great grand daughters Danika Rady and Charlotte Kosek. He was preceded in death by his parents, his older brother Bob, his nephew Robert, and his wife Shirley. Merle enjoyed being active, spending time outdoors, helping others, and working with his hands. He loved to build and create furniture, cabinets, tables, containers, etc out of wood or metal. His greatest joy was being with his family, celebrating and playing together, and being asked to make something or complete a project by his friends, wife, or grandkids. He was a religious man, a member of Holy Angels Catholic Church for over 60 years which is where the mass celebrating his life will be held. He walked to church weekly and biked frequently, rarely using his car. Merle loved eating out, watching his grand kids sporting activities, walking, biking, and taking care of his home. His determination, honesty, creativity, and ability to fix things will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Funeral from THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY will be Monday, June 8, 2015 at 11:30am to Holy Angels Church at 12:00pm. Fr. Michael Lavan will officiate with interment at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday, June 8, 2015 from 10:00am until 11:30am at THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY, 220 N. Lake St., Aurora, 630-631-5500 or visit our interactive website at www.daleidenmortuary.com where you may leave condolences for Merle’s family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to: American Cancer Society, 143 First Street, Batavia, IL, 60510, or Holy Angels Church, 180 S. Russell Avenue, Aurora, IL, 60506.

Merle W. Lorenz

March 28, 1926 - June 4, 2015