Delbert Lorenson, 81, of 10779 Q.5 Lane, Rapid River, passed away Friday morning, July 31, 2009, at D. J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette.
Delbert was born November 12, 1927, in Escanaba, the son of Arthur and Mabel (Johnson) Lorenson. He was raised in Stonington. At age 17 Delbert enlisted in the navy. After basic training at Great Lakes Naval Station, he was shipped out to the Pacific war zone where he boarded the Battleship Wisconsin. During his war time service, he earned two battle stars: one for the Liberation of the Philippines, and the other for the Battle of Okinawa. Following the war he remained on the Wisconsin for a worldwide public relations tour to sixty different ports. After the ship was decommissioned, he served his remaining navy time aboard the heavy cruiser USS Rochester, until he was honorably discharged. He then sailed for a time on Great Lakes ore carriers.
On February 11, 1950, Delbert married the former Constance Jacks of Detroit. The ceremony took place at Trinity Lutheran Church, Stonington. At that time he was employed by the Hansen and Jensen Oil Company in Escanaba. For many years the couple made their home in Gladstone, where they raised three children: Rick, Pam, and Tom. People who talked with Delbert knew that before long he would start talking with satisfaction about his children and, later, his grandchildren.
Throughout his life, Delbert was involved in many volunteer organizations, including Past Commander of VFW Post 2998 Escanaba. He also served for several years as Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 466 Gladstone, during which time he had the privilege of presenting the Eagle Scout rank to 39 local boys. One year his troop achieved a national record for having the greatest number of Eagle Scouts awarded at one time, a record which stood for many years. Delbert received recognition for his excellence in scouting, including being named Michigan Scoutmaster of the Year in 1972; the District Award of Merit; the Order of the Axe; and the national award for outstanding scouting leadership, the
Anonymous
Dear Connie and Family,
We’re sorry to hear of the Del’s death. We were happy to meet you both among old shipmates at reunions of the Battleship USS Wisconsin. We recall that you and Del were great dancers and won the dance contest at a reunion, perhaps in Milwaukee.
Del will be remembered at our memorial service in Oconomowoc, WI during our 12th Biennial Reunion in 2010.
We send our sincere condolences to you and your family.
Dave & Marlis Patrykus,
Past President and Founder
USS Wisconsin Association
Wisconsin Rapids, WI
Connie & family, my deepest sympathy to all of you. What a full life the two of you enjoyed together. God’s blessings.
Johnette Tomasoski
Gladston, MI
To my friend Tom and the entire Lorenson family, I offer my deepest condolences. Mr. Lorenson was a wonderful and generous man who always had a smile and a story for us at scouting activities. May he rest in peace.
Brian Peterson
Valley Village, CA
I am saddened by the death of Delbert. I have many good memories of him during my childhood. He was such loving and caring father/husband. I share in your hurt having lost my husband in March. I will keep your family in my prayers.
Jan Johnson/Leksich
South Haven, MI
Uncle Delbert was a wonderful uncle over the many years of visiting he was always happy, helpful, loving, welcoming, a great joy to be around. I danced the first polka with him at my wedding and he was a very good dancer. We will miss him very much.
Kathy Gillis
Brighton, MI