Michael Robert Lorsch

1961 - 2022

Michael Robert Lorsch obituary, 1961-2022

Michael Robert Lorsch

1961 - 2022

BORN

1961

DIED

2022

Michael Lorsch Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Bunker Family Funerals & Cremation - University Chapel from Jul. 8 to Jul. 9, 2022.

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Michael Robert Lorsch, our beloved husband, Dad, Papa, uncle, brother, and friend, completed his earthly mission on July 4, 2022. He lived a life dedicated to the Lord and his family, deeply touching all who knew him.

Michael was born on December 27, 1961 to Arthur Joseph Lorsch Jr. and Bonnie Muriel Reid, in Harbor City, California. Michael graduated from Cypress High School in 1980. He became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1981 and then went on to serve an honorable mission in the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo Mission in 1983. He loved the people there, and that experience became a pivotal point in his life.

He worked for several non-profit organizations at the beginning of his career: KPHA, Easter Seals of WA, and the International office of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Simultaneously, he attended college, graduating from BYU, followed by his Master's degree from Capella University. Early in his college years he met and married the love of his life, April Fry. The two started their forever family when they were sealed in the Seattle, WA Temple on June 22, 1985. He adored his wife April and was a devoted and loving father. They went on to have 4 children: Ryan (Katie), Justin (Cara), Hannah, and Patrick (Amy).

With his employment at the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Michael took his family and relocated to Arizona. After several years there, the opportunity came for him to work with the Table Group, which ended up being his true passion. Through his work with the Table Group, he became a highly sought after Organizational Health Consultant.

One of Michael's defining characteristics was his ability to connect to others through his humor and laughter. Great joy was brought to Michael through connecting with people, jamming on the guitar, playing tennis, fly fishing, and taking naps.

He excelled in his work with various organizations, by transforming their workplaces into healthy companies. He was known for his ability to touch the lives of so many in positive ways. He changed people's lives both professionally and personally.

As a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Michael served in many capacities. Some of his best friendships were formed while serving and throughout his church service, as he touched many lives. Bishop of Mesa Oasis Park Ward, Stake Presidency member, High Councilor, Elders Quorum President, Ward Mission Leader, Ward Chorister and Teacher, and more. He had a strong testimony of the Plan of Salvation, eternal families, and a great love for Jesus Christ, which he shared through his warmth and love for others. He was a shining example of genuine kindness and generosity.

Michael and April's 4 children, along with their spouses, 4 grandchildren, with 1 more on the way, were his greatest joy and proudest accomplishment. He was never shy about expressing his love for them, and they will continue to feel that love throughout their lives. Each one of them cherished their time with him and love him so dearly. He was and always will be our example of Christlike love, faith, courageous endurance, devotion to God and family, strengthening of the heavy hearts and feeble knees, and too many other qualities to name.

He is survived by his sweetheart, April, his posterity, sister Karen (Ron), nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will mourn his passing.

The family will be having a viewing on Friday, July 8,2022 from 5-7 PM at Gilbert Memorial Park, 2100 E Queen Creek Road Gilbert, AZ 85297. The funeral will be Saturday, July 9, 2022 at 10 AM, preceded by a small visitation at 9 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3307 S Greenfield Road, Gilbert, AZ 85297 (Greenfield & Pecos).

The family does not have a GoFundMe, however there are a couple of organizations near and dear to Michael's heart if you would like to donate: The Make-a-Wish Foundation – where Michael spent many years providing life-changing hope, strength and joy to children with critical illnesses. In addition, The Michael J. Fox Foundation that devotes research and resources to fighting Parkinson's Disease, which was part of Michael's Lewy Body Dementia diagnosis.

The family will be forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support offered to Michael throughout his life and during his last couple years battling Lewy Body Dementia.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Michael Lorsch's Guest Book

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October 13, 2022

David Riggleman posted to the memorial.

September 28, 2022

April Lorsch posted to the memorial.

September 28, 2022

April Lorsch posted to the memorial.

6 Entries

David Riggleman

October 13, 2022

My apologies for being tardy on this condolence. I didn't realize Michael had passed until this morning. I knew he was battling dementia, but I wasn't ready to receive the news of his passing. It is with heartfelt sympathies that I express my deepest condolences to his family and colleagues.

Michael had served as our organizational development consultant for several years. He not only made a huge difference to our leadership team, but that translated into wonderful changes within our organization. We all regarded Michael as not only a gifted and insightful consultant, but we saw him as a friend. I always looked forward to his in-person visits. He would share excellent advice about our work, but I also loved catching up on what he was doing in his personal life.

Michael is one of those people who truly left the world better than how he found it. Those who knew him at the city of Las Vegas share in your grief.

April Lorsch

September 28, 2022

April Lorsch

September 28, 2022

April Lorsch

September 28, 2022

It is so hard to put into words all I am feeling at this moment. I have lost my dear sweet husband, Michael Lorsch, to Lewy Body Dementia. He was only diagnosed with this dreadful disease a little over 2 years. He had been, unknowingly struggling with it for years before that.
We had just had our 37th wedding anniversary. I am not sure how to go on without him, he was the biggest part of my life and so much of my world was working with him in raising our family, in building our faith in Jesus Christ and His never changing promises (in a world that is ever changing), through our troubles, in our business to help companies get healthy, which was a true passion, and to make a difference in peoples lives, one person at a time.
We even worked together to give him one of his heartfelt wishes, which was that he stay home during his illness and be cared for by his family. I wanted to honor him and his wish. That turned out to be a much bigger task than we realized and I couldn´t have done it alone. I had so many family members, church members, friends, fellow caregivers, support groups, and medical professionals helping me along the way. Thank you! Thank you! I could not have carried out his wish without you!
He filled my heart; how it hurts to have that huge hole. I know I will be with him again and that brings some peace at time like this, but I´ll have to wait and that is the hardest part. These last few years have been so hard as he has been present in our lives, but not always present, as the disease took so much of him away before his actual passing! It has been hard to see him incrementally & so painstakingly disappear.
While I wait to see him again, I will rely on everyone who knew him to help me keep him present in my life, to remember him! The way he touched, and filled our lives. In that way it may not hurt so much. I know I´ll remember his bright light - that drew each of us to him, his tenderness, his ever present kindness, his generous big heart, his amazingly creative brilliant mind, his ability to speak and teach. His amazing humor and wit. His ability to make us gut wrenchingly laugh! He has forever transformed me into a better person because of who he was. He is forever my hero, friend, sweetheart and trusted companion. I am proud of his warrior spirt, his courage and strength, in coming to terms with where this disease would take him, and his bravery and to endure the process and the inevitability of his death and to trust God and our Savior Jesus Christ along the way.
Because of Michael I will continue to do my best to be more Christlike, and touch people's lives in positive ways. I love you Michael! Can´t wait to be with you again!

Rick Johnson

August 31, 2022

April - I don´t know if you´re still receiving or checking this but I wanted to express my condolences around Michael´s passing. I was out of the country most of the last couple of months and just discovered his passing as I was building our education roadmap for the next coupe of years.

Michael was without question, one of my favorite speakers for our groups but also one of my favorite people. His kindness and caring were front and center with him and he sincerely connected with and demonstrated the `servant mentality´.

He will be missed. If there´s anything I can do for you or your family, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Rick Johnson

Scott Russell

July 19, 2022

To April and the family of Michael Lorsch I sit here in my office reading over the beautiful tribute to our beloved Michael. It just so happens that in the background is my office sofa where Michael and I connected in a faith based manner while I was in the midst of what felt like the greatest personal challenge I had been faced with in my life. Your husband, dad, father-in-law, grandpa, uncle and friend loved you all and spoke of you often. I am fortunate and blessed to have crossed paths with him and will cherish the many moments we shared laughs and tears.

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Sign Michael Lorsch's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

October 13, 2022

David Riggleman posted to the memorial.

September 28, 2022

April Lorsch posted to the memorial.

September 28, 2022

April Lorsch posted to the memorial.