Charles W. Lorenz

Charles W. "Chuck" Lorenz, 101, passed away peacefully Friday, Dec. 9, 2022, at his home. Chuck was born March 1, 1921, in Elkhart to Ernest and Ermine Lorenz. He married Betty J. Defrees on May 29, 1949, in Elkhart. She preceded him in death on June 12, 2012.

Chuck is survived by his son, Jon (Liz) Lorenz of Greenwood Village, Colorado; granddaughters, Emily (Noah) Barrett of Denver, Colorado, and Kate (Jeff) Schaffer of Elmhurst, Illinois; six great-grandchildren, Zoe, Charlie and Owen Barrett, and Quinn, Jack and Emmy Schaffer; and his sister, Elizabeth (Dean) Zimmer of Ponte Vedra, Florida.

He was preceded in death by his brother, William P. Lorenz, and sister, Saritea (Robert) Holdeman.

Chuck was a 1938 graduate of Elkhart High School and a graduate of University of Wisconsin School of Banking. Chuck had a successful career in banking starting at St. Joseph Valley Bank, where he was known as "Mr. St. Joe," and continuing with its successor organizations until retiring. He was the first manager of the bank's Easy Shopping Place Branch and built it into the bank's largest and busiest branch. Chuck was all about serving the customer and taking care of their banking needs. He loved interacting with people and they loved having him brighten their day.

Chuck carried the title of longest member of the Noon Optimist Club. He was treasurer of the YMCA, and an advisor for Junior Achievement and a member of Mr. and Mrs. Club. He also served as treasurer of the board of directors for the South Side School Corp., which built Pierre Moran Middle School.

Chuck was a World War II Army veteran, serving in the European Theater of Operations in the 12th Armored Division. He was an active member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church where he was an usher and participated in various senior activities. Chuck in recent years lived in Middlebury and was a frequent visitor to the Essenhaus Restaurant where he enjoyed the role of unofficial greeter as his many friends joined him regularly for breakfast. Chuck became Middlebury's newest centurion upon celebrating his 100th birthday on March 1, 2021. His family and his many friends who were lucky enough to know Chuck will miss him dearly.

Visitation for Chuck will be 10:30 a.m. to noon on Monday Dec. 19, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 18548 C.R. 18, Goshen, IN 46528, where services will be at noon. Pastor Andrew Wollman will be officiating. Burial, with military honors, will follow the services at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola, Indiana.

Memorials for Chuck may be given to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church or the food pantry at Jefferson Community Church. Online condolences may be made at www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com.