Barbara Ann Lorenz

1945 - 2025

Barbara Ann Lorenz

November 22, 1945 - September 30, 2025

Barbara Ann Lorenz passed away peacefully, surrounded by her children, on September 30, during recovery from pancreatic cancer. She will be remembered for her steadfast loyalty, grace, and deep care for others as a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend.

Visitation will be Sunday, October 5, from 4 to 7 p.m. with Rosary at 6:30 p.m. at Kuncl Funeral Home, Crete. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, October 6, at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with burial following at Sacred Heart Cemetery.

Born November 22, 1945, in Geneva, Neb., to Ann and Louis Budler of Fairmont, Barb graduated from St. Elizabeth's School of Nursing in 1967. She devoted her career to caring for others, working at Crete Memorial Hospital, Farmland Foods/Smithfield for 25 years, and later as a school nurse for rural districts and St. James Catholic School.

Her faith and parish community were central to her life. As a devoted member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, she was active in the Altar Society, organized parish events, attended daily Mass, and often led the Rosary.

On February 1, 1969, Barb married William "Bill" Lorenz. Together they celebrated 56 years of marriage, raised five children, and built a home filled with love, laughter, and tradition. Barb was the heart of her family, whether tending her large garden, preparing meals, decorating cakes, sewing, or organizing reunions. She cherished time spent with her 12 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren, and always made sure family gathered, no matter the date or occasion.

Barb loved to travel, with Bill and with friends, visiting all 50 states and many countries abroad. She and Bill shared a love for dancing, often following Angie Kriz and the Polka Tunes across Nebraska. In recent years she enjoyed daily Mass, coffee with friends, cheering on Nebraska Volleyball, reading, and working on puzzles.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill (June 2025); son, Christopher; parents, Ann and Louis Budler; and siblings, Larry Budler and Carolyn O'Brien. She is survived by children, Brian (Debbie) Lorenz of Crete, Jill (Russ) Goodrich of Amarillo, Texas, Teresa (Jim) Wissenburg of Crete and Mark (Bobbi) Lorenz of Broken Bow; along with grandchildren, siblings, extended family, and many dear friends.

Memorials may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church or to the family for later designation. Condolences may be expressed at www.kunclfh.com.