Donald Lorentz Aug. 4, 1939 – March 14, 2015

Published 2:26 pm Monday, March 16, 2015

Donald Joseph Lorentz, a longtime resident of the Wallowa Valley, passed away peacefully at Wallowa Memorial Hospital in Enterprise, on Saturday, March 14. He was 75.

Don was born Aug. 4, 1939, in Ferdinand, Idaho to William (Bud) and Martha Lorentz. He was the second of eight children and was raised on the family farm where he learned the lifelong value of family and hard work. He graduated from Ferdinand High School in 1957.

Don moved to Enterprise, Oregon in 1980. He loved the people and the Western lifestyle that the Wallowa Valley had to offer. He made many friends over the years, which he cherished dearly.

In addition to his many friends, Don’s family meant the world to him. Don frequently made the journey to see them and always looked forward to visits from his children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews.

His younger years working with his Dad and immediate family set the stage for a lifelong career in farming and ranching. In addition to this, Don owned the Range Rider Tavern in Enterprise for over 15 years. He also owned and operated Lorentz Trucking for decades through 2013. But Don’s true passion was ranching. He always managed to keep a herd of cattle over the years, up until his last days.

Don had a hard work ethic, decades of experience and an eye for business. He loved to invest, sell and trade. Don’s sense of humor was unmatched. He always managed to find the lighter side of nearly every situation that he faced. All of this (combined with a love for family and friends) is why people continually sought out Don’s company and advice. He is loved and will be missed.

He is survived by his three children and their spouses, Pat & Jenny (granddaughter Alex) of Anchorage, Becky & Tom of Anchorage and Greg (grandson Kyle) of Kenai. Don is also survived by his four sisters and their spouses, Marlene & Hank Duclos, Shirley & Milton Baerlocher, Sharon & Tom Johnson and Sandy & Russ Kilborn.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Bud and Martha and three brothers Ralph, Willard and Glenn.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 21, at St Katherine’s Catholic Church in Enterprise. The Mass will be preceded by a recitation of the Rosary at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at the Enterprise Cemetery. Following the burial, please join us for a potluck at the VFW in Enterprise to honor Don.

Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Bollman Funeral Home.