Lohrenz, Gerhard W. (1886-1970)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1970 Mar 12 p. 7

Birth date: 1886

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1970 May 14 p. 11

text of obituary:

GERHARD W. LOHRENZ

Gerhard W. Lohrenz, son of Heinrich and Elizabeth Wiens Lohrenz, was born in Harvey County, Kansas, on May 13, 1886. In 1893 the family moved to Butler County, Kansas, and resided there until 1899 when they moved to a farm near Aulne, Kan.

In a home that consisted of five sons and five daughters, father was trained by God-fearing parents to discipline his life and to love the Lord. Following his elementary education he prepared himself for his life work by attending McPherson College for several years. After earning his teaching credentials, he taught in the public schools of Kansas and Oklahoma for seven years.

While teaching in the Lehigh, Kan. community he met Maria Penner, daughter of Cornelius F. and Wilhelmina Penner. They were married on Aug. 11, 1911, and were privileged to live together for nearly 59 years.

Father committed his life to the Lord as a man of 17, and upon his confession of faith he was baptized on April 12, 1903 and received into the Ebenfeld Mennonite Brethren Church.

In 1914 the family moved to a farm in the Collinsville, Okla. area, where the Mennonite Brethren Church called father to the ministry in 1916, and ordained him three years later. From this time the work of the church was uppermost in his mind. To it he gave willingly of his time, his energy, his devotion, and his talents.

In December 1927 the family moved back to the Ebenfeld community near Hillsboro, Kan. where father served the Mennonite brethren Church as a pastor and assistant pastor until a few years before his death. A highlight in his life came when the Ebenfeld Church, together with his family observed his 80th birthday and his 50 years of dedication to the service of the church.

He was a devoted father who taught us his children, to love the Lord and to walk in His way. He also instilled in us a desire for educational achievements and as a result all of his children attended Tabor College. Father committed many songs to memory and used his fine voice to praise and worship God, both at home and in the church. In 1961 our parents were privileged to observe their golden wedding anniversary with their children and friends.

Father enjoyed excellent health nearly all his life, but five years ago his health began to fail. Two years ago father and mother moved to Parkside Homes. Since November of last year he had been hospitalized. On Sunday morning, Feb. 22, 1970, he entered peacefully to his eternal reward. He reached the age of 83 years, nine months and nine days.

Left to remember his many years of love and devotion are his wife, his children, Clara and husband Frank Buschman of Hutchinson, Linda of Wichita, Cornelius and wife Elizabeth of Chariton, Iowa, Menno and wife Clara of Hillsboro, Rufus and wife Lois of Hillsboro, Otto and wife Elma of Kearney, Neb., Mary Lou and husband Calvin Wiens of Wichita, 18 grandchildren and two great-grandsons (one grandson, William Lohrenz, preceded him in death), his youngest brother, Rev. John H. Lohrenz of Fresno, Calif. and a step-sister, Mrs. Minnie Epp of Hillsboro, Mrs. Maria Lohrenz and Children.