Donald W. Lorenz

Donald “Don” W. Lorenz, age 87, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, February 3, 2023, surrounded by his family. He was born on October 3, 1935 in Joliet, IL and was the son of Albert and Alma Lorenz.

Don is survived by his brother, Richard Lorenz, his beloved children, Dean (Nancy) Lorenz of Jackson, MI; Lori (James) Fuchs of Manteno, IL; Nancy (Keith) Johnson of Friendsville, TN, and his five grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his cherished wife Inez Lorenz, his parents Albert and Alma Lorenz, his sister Shirley Tuttle, and granddaughter Becky Fuchs.

Don grew up on a farm in Orland Park where he learned to work hard and take care of anyone who needed help.

Don met Inez, the love of his life at age 19. With the help of a few family and friends, he built a home in Frankfort, where he and Inez raised three children. He was a Cub Scout Master and active volunteer in their church.

He served his community as a volunteer firefighter, emergency medical technician, volunteer fire chief, and district trustee. He developed the first organized training program and helped the Frankfort Fire Protection District grow from 1 station to 5. His dedicated service lasted 53 years. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren will never forget his tours of the firehouse, swapping stories with younger generations of firefighters that Don trained and mentored.

Don was a gifted electrician. After a long day at work, he blessed many of Frankfort’s elderly citizens through his skill and generosity. When visiting his children and grandchildren, he couldn’t help himself from fixing an appliance or even changing a roof if it needed to be done.

After a life of dedicated and constant service to his family, neighbors, and community Don died in the house he built with his own hands, surrounded by his daughters and son. Don’s family and community will miss him greatly, and we know that his legacy is all around us.

Services for Don will be held at Kurtz Memorial Chapel, 65 Old Frankfort Way, Frankfort, IL on Saturday, February 11, 2023 with visitation from 10 am -12 pm with a service at 12 pm.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Frankfort Firefighters Foundation