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Myron W. Lorenson

Myron W. Lorenson

NEENAH, Wis. — Myron W. Lorenson, age 92, of Neenah, Wis. passed away on March 7, 2018 at home.

He was born on May 3rd 1925 in Stonington, Mich., the son of Arthur and Mabel (Johnson) Lorenson. Myron spent all of his youth years in Stonington and was a confirmed and lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church. He married his wife, Mary (Krouth), on August 24, 1957 and they had four children.

Myron is survived by his children, Sally (Dennis) Gidlof, Darla (Jeff) White, Randy Lorenson and Chris Lorenson; grandchildren, Evan (April) Gidlof, Allison Gidlof, Megan and Matt White and Cori Lorenson; great grandchildren, Kaylin, Natalie, Isaac and Xavier and various nieces and nephews.

Myron was preceded in death by his wife, Mary in January of 1988, two brothers, Delbert and Robert, and his close friends and dance partners, Norma, Maxine, and Beatrice.

Myron truly enjoyed and took pride in his work. As a young boy, he and his brother spent many hours helping their father and uncles on the farms in Stonington. Love of land was in his blood. He and his brother passed this on to their families and yet today the Lorenson/Johnson families reunite in Stonington for an annual family reunion on Labor Day. In 1947, at his father’s urging, he took on an opportunity to work on the ships sailing the Great Lakes. He spent 4 years on those lakes and had many stories to tell about sailing on ships like the Buckeye and the William F Stifel. In 1951 Myron was drafted and proudly served his country in the Korean War — a challenging time to say the least. Upon returning to the states Myron had the good fortune to obtain a job as a spot welder for the Harnischfeger Crane Company in Escanaba, where he worked for 30 years until he retired at the young age of 57. He was known as the “glass man” for his attention to detail work in the cab of many a crane that shipped out of Escanaba. Harnischfeger had closed the plant in Escanaba in 1983 and since Myron was still in good health, and again a man of opportunity, he cut many a load of pulp wood for extra cash. He may have gone through three or four of his nine lives during that time! He cut has last load of pulpwood at the age of 83. This active lifestyle would benefit him the rest of his years. He always said, “If I had known I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself when I was young!”

Besides his passion for his work Myron was just as passionate about his play. As a young man he had many fond memories playing music in a band at many a barnyard dance in Stonington. Friends were plentiful and Myron always had a lending hand. He enjoyed spending time with his friends at the Legion club and dancing at the Arcadia Bar in Gladstone. Playing smear at the All Saints Church, snowmobiling out to friend’s camps, camping at the Belgium Congo, and taking care of all his kids mini bikes were also on the list. Myron “fix it” Lorenson he was known as. He had an incredible mechanical ability that the Lord had given him for fixing things, which was very useful since he also had a great knack for breaking them. Never bothered him a bit. The most positive attitude you would ever find. Always in good spirit he persevered.

Perhaps his very favorite past time was Polka dancing. He earned the title Polka King and he had the trophies to prove it! His legs remained strong to the day he died.

His most prized possession was his family. He treasured time with them, especially when all were together, as we were for his last Christmas, a very fond memory for all of us.

The family would like to thank the staff at his residence, the Assisi Homes of Neenah. Barb, Stephanie, Will, and Angie were so kind and made Myron feel very at home. He also had many kind neighbors and friends there.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to his church, Trinity Lutheran.

We’ve learned from his example! Live life to the fullest and count your blessings every day! May he rest in peace, until we meet again.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, March 18 from 2 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Military Honors will be presented by the Gladstone American Legion Post 71 at 3:45 p.m. Funeral services will follow at 4 p.m. with Rev. Diane Srutowski officiating. A luncheon will follow.

For additional information or to leave the family a message of condolence, go to www.skradskifuneralhomes.com.