Funeral services for Harold Lorenz, 96, of Sidney will be Friday, March 22, 2019 at 11 a.m. at Ebenezer Congregational Church in Sidney with Pastor David Meehan officiating. Visitation will be Thursday, March 21, 2019 from 12-6 p.m. at Fulkerson-Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Sidney, MT. Interment will be in the Sidney Cemetery in Sidney, MT at a later date under the care of Fulkerson-Stevenson Funeral Home of Sidney. Remembrances, condolences and pictures may be shared with the family at www.fulkersons.com.
Harold Earl Lorenz was born on September 17, 1922, in Keoto, Colorado, to Henry & Louisa (Leikam) Lorenz. He was one of eleven children. He grew up on the Valley Farms south of Sidney and enjoyed farm life. Harold attended school in Sidney, and graduated in 1941. His senior year, he worked at Johnson Hardware under a school program. Later, he went to work for Midland Lumber Co. In November of 1942, Harold was inducted into the Army Airforce and served in WWII. He returned home in 1945, and returned to farm work, also working as a carpenter and cabinet maker. Working with wood was his specialty. In 1949, Harold enrolled at Bozeman State and studied Architectural Drawing. In 1950, he went to work for Monarch Lumber Co. in Sidney, Montana. This marked the beginning of a 40 year career in the retail lumber and hardware business. This was also the year he met Audrey Wallace, the love of his life, and they were joined in marriage on February 23, 1951.
With Audrey by his side, he went on to hold titles of Area Manager for Boise Cascade & District Manager for United Building Centers, and traveled to the twenty-five stores throughout Montana and into Wyoming. Harold and Audrey were blessed with five children, Joette, Jeffrey, Jon, Jon II, and James. He cherished his time with his family and fond memories include fishing, pontooning, and vacations.
During his retirement he served two years as Executive Vice President of the Sidney Chamber of Commerce. He also was a barber at Sidney Extended Care and The Lodge for fifteen years. Being retired allowed him to enjoy his favorite hobby, building furniture and décor items for The Country Cottage. He even built dulcimer wood stringed instruments, dating back to biblical times. Keeping a large garden and being a handyman, and maintaining his rental properties, also kept him busy. Retirement also allowed him to spend quality time with his only grandchild, Afton. Supporting her in various activities. When his great granddaughter, Rhett, came along he was so happy to have someone to sing along while he skillfully played his harmonica. Harold started playing the harmonica at age nine, and hearing him play was a special treat and brought joy to many. His favorite music to play was polkas, patriotic, and gospel.
In his lifetime of serving at Ebenezer Congregational Church he held many offices and was vital in building construction and design planning throughout the many changes and phases of growth. Harold confessed his faith as an adult by being baptized in Jesus Christ in a pond on his brother’s farm. He continued to testify of the Lord into his last days to all who were near.
Harold was a member of the Ebenezer Congregational Church, V.F.W., American Legion, Moose Lodge, Elks Club, and he served on many boards.
Harold was called home to his Savior’s open arms on Tuesday, March 19, 2019.
He is survived by his daughter Joette (Edward) Deg; granddaughter, Afton (Chris) Rossol; great granddaughter Rhett; and daughter-in-law Gale Bestland Lorenz. His siblings, Edna Rambur; Berniece Riedel; and Willmer “Sonny” Lorenz; all of Sidney as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, eight of his siblings, his wife and sons.