Skip Lorence

Keith "Skip" Robert Lorence, 81, of O'Fallon, IL, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 1, 2024, at Aviston Countryside Manor in Aviston, IL.
Skip was born April 8, 1943, in Duluth, MN to Joseph and Ora Lorence (nee Nygaard). He was preceded in death by both his parents and his brother, Jeffrey.
Skip dedicated 21 years of his life to the United States Air Force and received the Meritorious Service Medal during this time. After retiring from active duty, he worked at the Defense Mapping Agency and the Defense Information Technology Contracting Organization for 20 more years.
Skip enjoyed golfing with his fellow Air Force buddies and fishing, particularly in Minnesota and Canada. He was a big reader, especially thrillers, mysteries, biographies, and anything James Patterson or historical.
Skip enjoyed telling everyone how proud he was of his grandchildren's accomplishments and varied talents. He was also very proud of his Norwegian ancestry. We know he is up there exclaiming, "Uff da! What a life!" while enjoying his pickled herring. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Cherishing Skip's memory are his wife of 60 years, Diane Lorence (nee Merwin) of O'Fallon, IL; three children, Michelle Marks of O'Fallon, IL, Shawn Lorence of Swansea, IL, Aaron (Julie) Lorence of Centralia, IL; three grandchildren, Marie Marks (Charlie Thompson), Connor Lorence, Carter Lorence; and one great-grandchild, Frankie Luella Thompson.
A graveside service at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery will take place later in the year.
Memorial donations in honor of Skip may be directed to The Parkinson's Foundation, https://www.parkinson.org/. Condolences may be extended to the family online at www.schildknechtfh.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Schildknecht Funeral Home. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Skip Lorence, please visit our floral store.