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BORN
1943
DIED
2024
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Keith Lorence Obituary
April 8, 1943 - July 1, 2024
O'Fallon, Illinois - Keith "Skip" Robert Lorence, 81, of O'Fallon, IL, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 1, 2024, at Aviston Countryside Manor in Aviston, IL.
Skip was born April 8, 1943, in Duluth, MN to Joseph and Ora Lorence (nee Nygaard). He was preceded in death by both his parents and his brother, Jeffrey.
Skip dedicated 21 years of his life to the United States Air Force and received the Meritorious Service Medal during this time. After retiring from active duty, he worked at the Defense Mapping Agency and the Defense Information Technology Contracting Organization for 20 more years.
Skip enjoyed golfing with his fellow Air Force buddies and fishing, particularly in Minnesota and Canada. He was a big reader, especially thrillers, mysteries,
biographies, and anything James Patterson or historical.
Skip enjoyed telling everyone how proud he was of his grandchildren's
accomplishments and varied talents. He was also very proud of his Norwegian ancestry. We know he is up there exclaiming, "Uff da! What a life!" while enjoying his pickled herring. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Cherishing Skip's memory are his wife of 60 years, Diane Lorence (nee Merwin) of O'Fallon, IL; three children, Michelle Marks of O'Fallon, IL, Shawn Lorence of Swansea, IL, Aaron (Julie) Lorence of Centralia, IL; three grandchildren, Marie Marks (Charlie Thompson), Connor Lorence, Carter Lorence; and one great-grandchild, Frankie Luella Thompson.
A graveside service at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery will take place later in the year.
Memorial donations in honor of Skip may be directed to The Parkinson's Foundation, https://www.parkinson.org/. Condolences may be extended to the family online at www.schildknechtfh.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Schildknecht Funeral Home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Keith Lorence
Sponsored by Belleville News-Democrat.
2 Entries
Mary Columbus
August 18, 2024
So sorry to hear of "Skip´s" passing. Though I never met cousin, Skip, I did correspond with him and talked by phone several times and we exchanged family history information. I do miss him! I´m praying for your family and hope to stay in touch.
Cousin, Mary Columbus in VA
PHIL ODOM
July 7, 2024
A SLOW SALUTE - TO A FELLOW VETERAN AND A NATIONAL HERO
THANK YOU - FOR YOUR SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY.
We will remember you always and miss you dearly.
Take your Warrior's rest for a duty well done.
For the Family:
I wish to extend my deepest sympathy for the loss of a loved one.
May the force of GOD be with you as you walk through this difficult time.
May the loving promises of our LORD and Savior comfort you
and give you peace and understanding.
As a grateful Veteran, I hope you accept this as a small token of appreciation
for the honorable and faithful service rendered by your loved one to our Country.
SEMPER FI
SGT. U. S. MARINE CORPS
AND VIETNAM VET
[email protected]
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Funeral services provided by:
Schildknecht Funeral Home and Cremation Services - O'Fallon301 S. Lincoln Ave., O'Fallon, IL 62269
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