Arnold Lorenz

Arnold Lorenz was a hardworking and loyal member of the Muskegon community for most of his life. He cared deeply for his family and showed it by providing faithfully for them and sharing much love, laughter and encouragement. Arnold lent his great sense of humor and positive nature to everyone around him, and in doing so, brightened many lives. In the year 1934, America found itself in trouble as the Great Depression pushed toward new heights as one out of every four individuals was unemployed. It was a hard and challenging time, but in Muskegon, Michigan, Harry Lorenz and his wife, Clara (Ramthum), maintained their positive spirits by focusing on a special blessing in their lives. On November 24, 1934, the couple welcomed the birth of their son, Arnold Eugene Lorenz. The youngest of six children, Arnold grew up under the watchful eye of his older siblings: Charles Ike, Ed, Marvin, Don and Dorothy. Arn spent his growing up years on the eastside of Muskegon on Isabella Street. While his mother was a traditional homemaker, his father worked at Anaconda Wire & Cable Co. for a time before running a service station in downtown Muskegon. Arn was a typical boy, full of energy and always active in something. He learned to square dance, played Little League baseball, and was most excited about earning all his badges in Boy Scouts, and becoming an honorary Eagle Scout. For education, Arn attended Orchard View Elementary School and Muskegon Jr. and Sr. High. He took several printing classes in high school as well as home economics, and could tinker on cars when needed. In addition to his studies, Arn worked at the Muskegon Paper Box Company while in high school. Arn knew his first wife, Patricia Chamberlain, from the neighborhood and they also attended the same church, Faith Reformed Church. Although Patricia was a few years younger than him, the two started dating in high school and became sweethearts. After Arn graduated from Muskegon High in 1953, he enlisted in the U.S. Marines, but didnt tell his parents until after his enlistment. During his tour of duty, Arn was stationed at Paris Island, South Carolina, where he worked in the print shop. Being separated by many miles was hard on the two sweethearts, so Arn and Patricia were happily married in October 1955, and she could then join him in South Carolina. Upon his honorable discharge, Arn and Patricia returned to Muskegon. It wasnt long before the couple filled their hearts and home with the joy and laughter of three wonderful children: Kathy (1958), David (1960) and Arn (1964).They eventually made their home on Nichols Road on the eastside of town. To provide for his growing family, Arn went back to work at the Muskegon Paper Box Co. as a printer and pressman for 34 years. Eventually the Printing company left the Muskegon area, leaving Arn without a job, so he began working construction with a friend of his. Arns marriage to Patricia eventually ended in divorce in the early 1970s. After some time, he began dating a young lady from work named Arlene Burrington. Love blossomed between the two and they were married on April 12, 1973. Arlene brought more than just her love into Arns life; she had two daughters of her own, Lori and JoAnn, who Arn happily welcomed into their newly formed family. Arn and Arlene soon had a child of their own with the birth of their daughter, Michelle. The family eventually moved to a rural area in Grant, Michigan, which was near Arns brother, Don. They loved outdoor living and being surrounded by woods, and it was definitely the place for many great family gatherings during the summer with regular bonfires in the backyard. As a couple, Arn and Arlene enjoyed time together, bowling on a couples league, playing bingo and Arn also played on a golf league from work. In 1980, Arns life took a drastic new direction after the birth of his first grandchild. He realized that he needed to stop drinking and be more committed to his family. And that is what he did! He became actively involved in all of his childrens activities while they were at Holton High School. From supporting the Booster Club and helping to build the Press Box for the football field to being his kids #1 fan and cheering them on at their various sporting events, his passion was to support his family. Although, Arn did take time to enjoy some of his favorite pastimes too, like hunting and fishing, playing cards and spending time with all of his family at their get togethers. From his cooking days in high school, Arn enjoyed being in the kitchen too, baking up something delicious, particularly donuts and pies. He was only too happy to pass his culinary skills onto his daughters. Nothing could bring a smile to Arns face like when he was with his precious grandchildren, whom he adored. Wanting only the best for them, he even took one of them in for a time and cared for her. In the mid 1980s, life changed again for Arn as his beloved wife Arlene began having health problems and was eventually diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Arn stepped right up and became her constant caregiver, never complaining and always finding the positive side of everything and having hope. In fact, Arn was such an optimist that he thought even the Detroit Lions could pull out some wins! Then, about 6 years ago, Arn began having health problems of his own (it seemed that many years of smoking finally took its toll). With his positive frame of mind, Arn continued on with life, bringing smiles to many with his great sense of humor, and taking those regular trips to the casino, just in case he could still win the big one. Sadly, last week Arns health took a turn for the worse and there was nothing more the doctors could do for him. Surrounded by the family he loved so dearly, Arn died on Wednesday, November 11, 2009, at the age of 74. Arn will be remembered by his family as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and uncle, and he will be dearly missed. Arn is survived by his wife of 36 years, Arlene; sons, David (Birdie) Lorenz of Norton Shores, Arnold A. (Mary Beth) Lorenz of Ada; daughters, Kathy Crankshaw of FL, Lori (Scott) Ellison of Twin Lake, JoAnn (Steve) Peliotes of Roosevelt Park, Michelle (Wayne) Harris of Twin Lake; 15 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; former spouse, Patricia Bolema of FL. A memorial gathering will take place on Sunday, November 15, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Lake Harbor United Methodist Church. Please visit Arnolds personal memory page at www.clockfuneralhome.com where you may sign his online guest book or share a memory with his family.