Ralph Lorenz

Lorenz, Ralph E.

Ralph E. Lorenz, age 81 of Black Creek, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, October 30, 2014 at Appleton Medical Center. He was born on August 24, 1933 to the late Alvin and Meta (Dietrich) Lorenz in the town of Cicero. On May 12, 1956 he married Roberta Blake and shortly after, was sent off to serve in the United States Army. In 1965, he established Ralph's Hardwood Floors in Black Creek, and was the owner/operator for 27 years before retiring, and turning the business over to his son. Ralph was a volunteer fireman for 29 years and served as a 4-H leader and a snowmobile safety instructor. He was always active, he enjoyed golf and organizing trips to sporting events, he especially loved spending time with friends and family.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Roberta; children, Diana (Peter Fales) Lorenz and Rod (Rhonda) Lorenz; grandchildren, Matthew Fales, Kayla and Kendra Lorenz; brother, Elton Lorenz; brother in law, Eugene (Audrey) Blake; sisters in law, Kathy Theisen, Hayden (Robb) McCann and Pat (Dennis) Brandow. He is further survived by several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Ralph is preceded in death by his parents, brother, Earl Lorenz, brothers in law, Wayne Blake and William Theisen, sisters in law, Doris Lorenz and Dolores Blake as well as his father in law, Raymond Blake, and mothers in law, Rebecca Blake and Birgit Blake.

Funeral services for Ralph will be 11:00AM, Monday, November 3, 2014, at Valley Funeral Home, 2211 N. Richmond St, Appleton WI. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4:00PM to 8:00PM on Sunday, November 2, 2014 and again from 9:00AM, Monday, November 3, 2014 until the time of service.