Donald William Lohrentz

Donald William Lohrentz, age 88, a longtime resident of Naperville, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 29, 2024. He was born May 22, 1936, in Chicago, Illinois.
Central to his life was his Christian faith which greatly influenced how he used his time, talents and resources. He served Bethany Lutheran Church in Naperville in various roles over 55 years including Head Elder, Treasurer and choir member. Over the years, he was a Director and Chairman of the Lutheran Home, a Trustee for the Lutheran Child and Family Services Foundation, a Director and Chairman of Concordia Mutual Life Association, a member of the President's Advisory Council of Valparaiso University, President of the Lutheran Camp Association at Camp Arcadia, and an investment committee member of Wheat Ridge Ministries. He most recently served on the Resident Board at Villa Saint Benedict, where he happily resided for the last 4 years.
After graduating from Valparaiso University in 1959 and receiving his MBA from Northwestern University in 1967, he enjoyed a long and successful career at Northern Illinois Gas Company and NICOR, eventually retiring as Treasurer and Vice President of Finance.
Anybody who met Don came away knowing a kind, unassuming, down-to-earth man who was quick with a dry witticism, ready to lend an ear, and always willing to help others analyze and solve life's challenges.
Beyond work, he had his preferred ways of play: golf, bowling, Scrabble, crossword puzzles, travel, theater, racquetball, church softball, sailing on Powers Lake, retreating at Camp Arcadia, and keeping fit with Music in Motion. He also made a point to keep in touch with many Luther North High School and Valpo Theta Chi fraternity friends. And at the end of the day, he enjoyed a good scotch.
He was a devoted family man who attended countless games, plays, and concerts of his children and grandchildren. He actively supported the various endeavors of his wife and family as evidenced by the vast collection of university, charity and sports team hats and sweatshirts that made up his wardrobe. He took special pride in planning "educational" road trip vacations for his kids. One of his grandchildren put it this way, "Nana is like the director, but Papa is the producer working behind the scenes". His family lovingly referred to him as "Zen Don" for his steady manner, his sage advice and his uncanny sense of direction.
Don is survived by his daughters Kirby (Scott) Bruzek, Jodi (Tom) Johnson, Whitney Weber, and son Matthew Lohrentz; grandchildren Clare (Sean Carroll) Bruzek, Hillary (Bryan) Fries, Samuel (Britta) Johnson, Laine Bruzek, Christopher "Kit" Bruzek, Lukas Weber, and Nickolas Weber; great grandchildren Caroline Fries, Judah Fries, Lillian Fries, and Ada Johnson. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Joyce Emily Lohrentz, and his parents, Grace and Alfred Lohrentz, and his siblings Robert (Helen) Lohrentz, Jack (Mary) Lohrentz and Nancy (Jim) Hathhorn.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at Bethany Lutheran Church, 1550 Modaff Road, Naperville, Illinois, from 9-11 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. His interment at Naperville Cemetery will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Donald's name may be made to Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois, Camp Arcadia on Lake Michigan, and Bethany Lutheran Church, Naperville, Illinois.