Bernadette M. Lorentz

Bernadette M. Lorentz, age 88 of Hastings, died peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Monday afternoon, February 3, 2020, at Regina Senior Living in Hastings. Bernadette Mary, the daughter of Michael and Theresa (Beissel) Ficker, was born in 1931 on the family farm in rural Douglas Township, Dakota County. Following her education at St. Mary's Catholic School, Bernadette was united in marriage to Donald Lorentz on November 22, 1951, also at St. Mary's Catholic Church in New Trier. They were blessed with many wonderful memories and eleven children prior to his passing on November 21, 2003. Bernadette was a dedicated homemaker who loved caring for her family. She enjoyed feeding and watching the birds, gardening and tending to her flowers, and never missed the opportunity to play a game of cards. Bernadette was a very faithful person, and was always someone you could lean on when needed most. Her devotion to prayer allowed her to be a very loving and forgiving person. Later in life, Bernadette enjoyed wintering in Florida as well. She will forever be remembered for her love for babies and children, and loved her grandchildren unconditionally. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Donald; son, Kenneth; daughter-in-law, Sara Lorentz; grandson, Ryan Lorentz; and by her siblings, Stanley, Paul, Alois "Ike", Jerome "Jerry", and Joseph "Joe". Bernadette is survived by her children, David (Shirley) Lorentz, Deborah (Kevin) Gephart, Jeff (Donna) Lorentz, Jim Lorentz, Kevin (Kelly) Lorentz, Duane Lorentz, Denise Hansen, Don (Lori) Lorentz, Dean Lorentz, and Denette (Donovan); 23 grandchildren and 21 great- grandchildren; siblings, Mary LaValla, Teresa (Glen) Madland, Sr. Rose Ann Ficker, Pat (Ken) Carl, and Virginia (Jack) Majeski; sisters-in-law, Vivian Ficker, Elaine Ficker, Phyllis Ficker, Caroline Lorentz, Rosemary Lorentz, Jean Larson, and Barbara Buck; brother-in-law, Gordy Larson; and by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 15, 2020, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in New Trier, with Bernadette's nephew, Father Scott Carl, officiating. Interment will follow at St. Mary's Parish Cemetery in New Trier. Family and friends are cordially invited to a visitation from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday evening at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings, and for one hour prior to Mass at church on Saturday morning. With Bernadette's love for plants, her family requests house and garden plants or donations to be made to American Heart Association in her memory. Bernadette's family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Regina TCU for their love and care provided to Bernadette in her final days. Arrangements are being completed by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.