Adrian Lorentson

Lorentson, Adrian V. Age 93, a career Naval officer, died Dec. 3 of congestive heart failure while visiting his son's family in Rockford, IL. CAPT Lorentson was a resident of Sedgebrook, in Lincolnshire, IL. Adrian Vincent Lorentson was born in Pennington County, MN, and grew up in a large extended family. Upon graduating from high school, he worked in a bank while playing semi-pro hockey, and two years later entered St. Olaf College where he continued to play hockey and graduated in 1942. He was awarded a commission in the U.S. Navy and served on the destroyer USS Evans during the battle for Okinawa. During this conflict, his ship shot down 19 kamikazes and was hit by four planes. CAPT Lorentson received the Bronze Star for his actions. In 1947, awaiting new temporary orders at Great Lakes Naval Training Center, he met Anna Mae Paul, to whom he was married for 53 years until her death in 2000. Together, they were stationed in Newport, RI; Key West, FL; New York City; Washington, D.C.; London, England; Norfolk, VA; San Diego, CA; and Great Lakes, IL. Upon retirement from the Navy in 1967, CAPT Lorentson worked for the Trust Department of Continental Bank in Chicago and, from 1970 until 1981, as NJROTC instructor at Wheeling High School. Following his second retirement, they enjoyed travel, golf, and fishing, as well as many get-togethers with family and friends. Survivors include his son CAPT Adrian D. Lorentson (Katie), of Rockford, IL, and daughter Barbara L. Heywood (David), of Potomac, MD, and five grandchildren, LTJG Christopher Heywood, Alexandra Heywood, MIDN Kelly Lorentson, Lauren Heywood, and Adrian J. Lorentson, as well as sister Adeline Benson and sisters-in-law Marguerite Lorentson, Kathryn Paul, Yolanda Paul, nieces and nephews. Services for CAPT Lorentson will be held Saturday, December 10, at 11 a.m., in the Bluejacket Memorial Chapel, Great Lakes Naval Training Center. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, 875 North Randolph Street, Suite 225, Arlington, VA 22203.