Caledonia Argus

Posted: 3/12/02

Florence Lorenz

Florence D. Anderson Lorenz, 89, of Wabasha, MN, died suddenly at her home on Sunday, March 3, 2002. She was born September 18, 1912 in Mondovi, WI, the daughter of John and Emily (Holmes) Dillon. She was a graduate of Mondovi High School and later of Winona State Teachers College in Winona. She began her teaching career at the Whelan country school in rural Buffalo County, Wisconsin and then taught in Pepin, WI. She and her husband later moved to Lake City where she did substitute teaching. They moved to Wabasha in 1943 where she taught at the Wabasha Elementary School from that date until retiring in 1976. She continued to be an active volunteer at the school throughout her retirement. Currently, she was a volunteer reader to the school children.

Florence was united in marriage to Miner S. Anderson April 15, 1938 in Red Wing. He owned and operated Petite Products, a woodworking business in Wabasha. He died March 2, 1978. She later married Harvey Lorenz February 25, 1989 in Alma. Mr. Lorenz was a farmer in Buffalo County.

She was a member of the United Church of Christ in Wabasha and was very active with its Womenís Fellowship and choir. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star and was a Past Guardian of the State of Minnesota Jobís Daughters. She was also a member of the Retired Teacher Association and the Buffalo County Historical Society. A few years ago she was named Outstanding Wabasha County Senior Citizen. She loved her family and young people. Her faith was very important to her as well. She was a servant to people in many ways. She loved playing Solitaire and Bridge and enjoyed baking and cooking. She and Miner were host grandparents to 22 Youth For Understanding exchange students over their years together.

Florence is survived by her husband; daughter and son-in-law, Gayle and Lee Grippen, Caledonia; two grandchildren; two step-daughters and their husbands, Mary and Burrill Dreifke, Milton, WI, Carolyn and Bob Pronschinske, Arcadia, WI; seven step-grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her first husband, one sister and one brother.

Services were held on Wednesday, March 6, at 11 am at the United Church of Christ in Wabasha with the Reverend Dr. Lanny Kuester and the Reverend Rolf Storlie officiating. Internment was in Riverview Cemetery, Wabasha. Friends called in Wabasha on Tuesday from 4-8 pm. where there was an Order of the Eastern Star service, Lake City Chapter #75 at 7 pm. Friends also called at the church on Wednesday one hour before the service. The Abbott Funeral Home of Wabasha was in charge of arrangements.

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