JOHN RAYMOND LOHRENZ

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JOHN RAYMOND LOHRENZ

John Raymond Lohrenz died peacefully at the Victoria Hospital on November 11, 2023. He was surrounded by the love and care of both family and staff in his last weeks.

John turned 85 at the end of October and entered the hospital a few days after his birthday. John worked hard constantly to make the world around him a better place to be. He devoted his life to his wife, Dolores, his children, and his extended family, church, career, and community.

Born in 1938, John spent his early years on the farm with his father, mother, and four brothers and sisters (Mary, Vernon, Anne, Ernie). Tragedy struck the family when John was seven. His father died in a farming accident that changed the life trajectory of this young family. They moved around for a few years, until John’s mother married Peter Lohrenz. That union gave John stability and produced another brother (Edward).

The Janzen farm in St. Elizabeth was a big part of John’s early life and he never lost his love of farming. Even after settling in Winnipeg, he regularly went to the farm to help with the harvest. As a teenager, he borrowed Uncle Henry’s car from the farm and drove to Morris for a date with Dolores (Dolly), whom John had met at Normal School. They fell in love and were married in 1959, and they were together for 63 years, until she passed away last year.

John spent his teaching years at Dakota Collegiate and then moved to the Department of Education, where he continued as the head consultant for the Department of Social Studies, History, and Geography, until his retirement. In addition to his teaching career, John and Dolores were part of a group of friends who founded Fort Garry Mennonite Fellowship. This community was very important to him, and he stayed engaged with it for the rest of his life. He also devoted an enormous amount of time and energy to other committees and communities such as MCC Thrift Stores, Westgate Collegiate, Bethel Place, and a Manitoba life-lease organization.

John was foremost a family man. He never missed a hockey, volleyball or basketball game, a recital, or any other activity his children and later his grandchildren were involved in. As a teacher, he and Dolores were able to take their family on many wonderful summer car trips. John was his mother’s primary caregiver for 38 years, after the death of her second husband. He loved to write incredible history books about his extended family. Capturing stories of life, love, and adventure for everyone in his orbit.

John will be greatly missed by his children, Brenda Lohrenz (Dragan Duvnjak), Brad (Deb) Lohrenz, Ray (Joanna) Lohrenz and Sheri (Gary) Wasilewski; plus, the eight grandchildren, whom he loved, adored and was so proud of: Tymon, Yurek, Jacob, Kali, Luka, Lucas, Jori and Tiana.

John was a passionate leader, a very good teacher, and a strong influencer. His giving nature, level-headed judgement, and powerful “drive to serve” leaves a wonderful example for us to follow.

If desired, donations can be made to the Sargent MCC Thrift Shop at 644 Burnell Street.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at Fort Garry Mennonite Fellowship, 150 Bayridge Avenue. A Faspa will follow in the church basement. Burial will be at the LaSalle Mennonite Cemetery at 2:30 p.m.

John, we love you so much! And you will be missed by many, many people.

In care of arrangements.

Tributes: friendsfs.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 15, 2023, Nov 15, 2023