Earl James Lorenzen

Born in Amber, Iowa on September 15, 1917
Departed on June 13, 2009. Resided in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Memorial

Earl James Lorenzen Sr., 91, a resident of Northbrook Manor Care Center died there Saturday, June 13, 2009, surrounded by his family following a lengthy illness. Services with Masonic and Military rites will be held at 11 AM Wednesday in Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories. Chaplain Joe Kane of Hospice of Mercy will officiate. Inurnment in Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 PM on Tuesday at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home and at the chapel after 10:30 AM on Wednesday.

Surviving to honor his memory are is wife Mary, son
Earl James Lorenzen Jr., of Monticello, his brother Donald (Mary Ann) Lorenzen of Cedar Rapids, granddaughters Deb (Bob) Mreen of Cedar Rapids, Beth Gambel of Eldridge, Iowa, Katrina (Scott) Van Meter of Marengo, Ia., his step-children, Mary Walke of Cedar Rapids, Helen (George) Simpson of Center Point, John Zaruba of Marion, and Paul Zaruba of Bellevue, step –grandchildren Bill (Tina) Walke and John (Shelli) Walke of Claremore, Okla., Deb (Jeff) Schwiebert of Mount Vernon, Lori Rezab and fiancé Ryan Burrell of Quasqueton, Teresa (Dennis) Herb of Cedar Rapids, David (Kathy) Zaruba of Chicago, Ann Giest of Marion, Chuck (Michelle) Zaruba of Eagle, Colorado, Steve (Yung Me) Zaruba of Germany, Amy (Mike) Klein of Phoenix, AZ., Dawn (Mark) McCormick of Marion, and Jesse Zaruba. He is also survived by seven great grandchildren and twenty five step great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Theoda, and his brother Fred.

Earl was born to Henry and Margaret Kray Lorenzen on September 15, 1917 at home in Amber, Iowa. Earl served in the Navy during WW II and was a member of the Fairfax American Legion Pekomy Post 572 , Mizpah Masonic Lodge No 639 A.F. and A.M., and the Scottish Rite of Free Masonry in Cedar Rapids. He retired from Wilson’s Packing Co. in 1979. He married Theoda Young on August 11, 1939. She passed away on November 22, 1978. He married Mary Regina (Monaghan) Zaruba on May 3, 1980. Mary is living with her daughter in Center Point and condolence cards may be sent to her at 1301 Park Ave., Center Point, Iowa 52213.

Earl enjoyed gardening, playing cards, and cribbage with his grandson Chuck, traveling, and visiting with anyone who would sit down for a while and chat with him. He especially enjoyed going for rides in his later years and sitting down to a good dinner at family gatherings. He enjoyed a good story and his cowboy movies.

The family would like to extend our thanks to the very caring and professional staff at Northbrook Manor Care Center and especially to the staff from Mercy hospice that comforted and guided Earl on his last journey.

Masonic rites will be conducted by Mizpah Masonic Lodge No. 639 A,F, & A.M., and Military honors will be provided by Fairfax American Legion Pekomy Post 572.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Mercy.

Visitation

Service

Cemetery