Robert Lorentz

Robert T. Lorentz, age 84, of Willmar died Thursday morning October 26, at the Bethesda Grand Club Suites.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 31, at the Church of St. Mary in Willmar. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the Willmar American Legion Post #167. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Monday, October 30, at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar and will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. www.petersonbrothers.com

Robert Theodore Lorentz was born on April 22, 1933, in Staples, Minnesota, the son of William and Catherine (Kern) Lorentz. He grew up in Staples and graduated from Staples High School in 1951. Robert enlisted into the U.S. Army and served in the Korean War. On December 29, 1956, Robert was united in marriage to Darlene Marie Beurge. They made their home in Eveleth. Robert was employed in the Iron Mines, working for U.S. Steel. In 1985, Robert retired from the mines and they moved to Willmar. Robert and Darlene owned and operated the Viking Motel for over 10 years. Robert was a member of the Church of St. Mary, the Knights of Columbus, V.F.W. and American Legion Posts. His hobbies included hunting and being outdoors. Robert was a devoted husband and father. He was always willing to help anyone in a time of need.

He is survived by six children, Douglas (and Deborah) Lorentz of St. Louis, MO., Mark Lorentz of Willmar, Trayce Packa of Willmar, Catherine (and Garry) Barnett of Chugiak, AK., William Lorentz of Minneapolis and Jessica Lorentz of St. Louis Park; seven grandchildren, Loren Marie, Ryan, Abigaile, Zachery, Samantha, Phillip and Max; two brothers, Richard (and Jan) Lorentz of Motley and William (and Sally) Lorentz of St. Joseph; and six sisters, Kaye (and Mark) Knowlton of Seattle, WA., Francis Donlin of St. Cloud, Mary Volesky of Staples, Theresa Lorentz of Portland, OR., Dorothy Spiering of St. Cloud and Agatha Lorentz of Rochester, besides other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Darlene in 2014 and one sister, Loretta.

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