Gerald “Jerry” Lorentz, age 70, passed away Monday, April 1, 2019, at his home in Woodville, WI. Jerry was born on August 30, 1948, in Red Wing, Minnesota; the son of Jerome and Marie (Otto) Lorentz. He was raised in Cannon Falls where he graduated from high school. Following this, he enlisted in the armed forces and served in the US Army Reserves prior to his honorable discharge. As a young man, he began farming with his dad at the farmstead in Cannon Falls. He would meet, and be united in marriage to his best friend and soul mate Carol Ann Langenfeld at St. Bontiface Catholic Church in Hastings on February 7, 1970. This union would be further blessed with four children. Jerry would continue farming, but would purchase their dream farm near Woodville where they would raise their family. He thoroughly enjoyed raising cattle, driving tractor, and teaching the value of a hard day’s work to his kids. A simple, humble, man, he lived life by his faith. He cherished his family and trying to spoil his grandchildren. His dry witty sense of humor had some wondering, but his nose wrinkle gave him away every time that he was teasing. He enjoyed fishing when given the opportunity, spending time at the cabin on Pike Lake, or playing euchre with family and friends. He took the greatest pleasure in watching his grandchildren’s sporting/school events or heading to Milwaukee to cheer them on at the Wisconsin State Fair cattle show. He enjoyed a quiet night in his shop putzing while listening to the Brewer game, Knights of Columbus events, a peaceful country drive, or a trip to Hinkley or Laughlin, Nevada to try his luck of the draw!

Jerry will live on in the hearts of his wife, Carol; children, Kelly (Eric) Gullixson of Woodville, Robin (Joe) Anderson of Baldwin, Jeff (Kelli) Lorentz of Woodville, Kevin (Michelle) Lorentz of New Richmond; twelve grandchildren, Andrew (Fiancee Amber), Hannah, Brittney, Carlie, Jacob, Aubrie, Kole, Klay, Josie, Kinsley, Jaxson, Avery; siblings, Jack (Debby) Lorentz of Cannon Falls, Marie (Phillip) Malenfant of Alaska, Janet (Steve) Peine of Hastings, Don Lorentz of No. Dakota; brother-in-law, Al Lindell of Welch, MN; the Langenfeld extended family; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and countless friends. He was greeted warmly in heaven by his parents, Jerome and Marie; parents-in-law, Frank and Leona Langenfeld; sister, Louise Lindell; and niece, Erica Langenfeld.

Mass of Christian Burial for Jerry will take place at 11 AM on Saturday, April 6, 2019, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1880 County Road G in Erin Prairie. Burial will be in the parish cemetery with active casket bearers being, Jeff Lorentz, Kevin Lorentz, Kole Lorentz, Klay Lorentz, Jaxson Lorentz, Andrew Harstad, Jacob Anderson, Kerry Lorentz with honorary casket bearers being, Jack Lorentz, Donald Lorentz, Dick Langenfeld, Steve Peine, Tim Langenfeld, and Dominic Malenfant. A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held from 3PM to 7 PM on Friday, April 5, 2019 at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Baldwin, WI, as well as one hour prior to Mass on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Adoray Hospice who allowed him to die with dignity at home with his family by his side.