John A Lohrentz

John A. Lohrentz

Obituary

John A. Lohrentz, 103, died on Sunday (Nov. 20, 2011) at Kidron Bethel Healthcare in North Newton. He was born on Sept. 2, 1908, in Moundridge to Peter and Katherine (Regier) Lohrentz III. On Sept. 3, 1964, he married Susie Hiebert Ratzloff at First Mennonite Church in Newton. She preceded him in death on Nov. 12, 2011. He was a member of First Mennonite Church in Newton. John was a retired farmer and craftsman. After his retirement, he spent more than 30 years as a master wood craftsman working in his workshop on various projects for his family and friends. John also enjoyed fishing and spending time with his friends and loving family.

He is survived by his stepsons, Phillip and Virgean Ratzloff of Inman, and Don and Sharon Ratzloff of Buhler; stepdaughters, Gloria Fowler of Wisconsin Falls, Wis., and Geraldine and Lewis Wiebe of Newton; 14 step-grandchildren; 18 step - great-grandchildren; and two step-great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and son-inlaw, Gary Fowler.

Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. Friday, with the family receiving friends from 7 to 8 p.m. at Petersen Funeral Home in Newton.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at First Mennonite Church in Newton, with pastors Anita Kehr and Joan Boyer presiding. Burial will be at 9:30 p.m. Saturday at West Zion Mennonite Cemetery in rural Moundridge.

Memorials may be left with MCC or Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice in care of Petersen Funeral Home.