Richard Lorenson

Richard Lorenson, 67, of Merrifield, MN, formerly of Plummer & Strathcona, MN, died unexpectedly on Friday, June 21 at his home.

Richard Darrell Lorenson, the son of Clifford & Dorothy (Bentow) Lorenson, was born March 30, 1946 at Thief River Falls, MN. He grew up at Strathcona and graduated from Greenbush High School in 1962. He married Lorraine Melby on October 17, 1964 at Oiland Lutheran Church, rural Greenbush. He received his Bachelor of Education degree from the University of North Dakota in 1969. He taught school at Apollo High School in St. Cloud, MN from 1969 to 1973. He farmed from 1973 until the late 1980’s. Rick received his Master of School Administration degree from St. Cloud State University in 1985. He served as Principal of Strandquist, MN High School 1977 to 1987 and Superintendent/Principal of Red Lake County Central Public Schools at Plummer, MN from 1987 to 2003. They enjoyed their Merrifield, MN Lake home for the past 5 years and have spent the last 9 winters at Apache Junction, Arizona.

Rick was a member of Grace Evangelical Church, the Greenbush-Badger Lions Club, MN Assn. of Secondary School Principals, MN Assn. of School Administrators, Merrifield Marathoners Snowmobile Club & the Old Geezer’s Club of Merrifield.

Rick enjoyed Farming, fishing, manicuring his lawns, playing cards, watching sports, doing crossword puzzles & Sudoku.

He is survived by his Wife—Lorraine.

4 Sons—Jeffrey of Williston, ND, Brad (Benita) of Warren, MN, Scott (Rebecca) of Belmont, CA & Mark (Katie) of Eden Prairie, MN.

5 Grandchildren—Adrianna, Brandon, Max, Zac & Preston Lorenson.

3 Brothers—Ronald (Bonnie) of Karlstad, MN, Sheldon (Claudette) of Osceola, Iowa & Larry (Nancy) of Nisswa, MN.

Brother-in-law—Lee (Kerri) Melby of Roseau, MN.

Several Uncles, Aunts, Nieces, Nephews and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford & Dorothy Lorenson, his parents-in-law—Edward & Olga Melby, Nephew—Timothy Lorenson, Uncles, Aunts and other relatives.

Funeral Service was held on Friday, June 28 at 11 AM in Grace Evangelical Church of Strathcona with Pastor Sheldon Lorenson, officiating. Music was provided by Jim Gjovik, Vern Lorenson, Lee & Kerri Melby. Nick Lorenson was the Pianist. Pallbearers were Duane, Doug & Derek Lorenson, Arlen Vacura, Doug Bentow & Ivan Johnson. Honorary Pallbearers were Rick’s 5 grandchildren, Adrianna, Brandon, Max, Zac & Preston Lorenson, as well as his family & friends.

Interment was in the Lorenson Family Cemetery, rural Strathcona. Funeral arrangements were with Gieseke Funeral Chapel of Greenbush.