Robert Steven Lorenz, age 70, of Parkston went to his heavenly home July 22 at the Dougherty House in Sioux Falls.  His memorial service will be held 3 PM on Saturday, August 1 at Salem Lutheran Church, Parkston, SD with fellowship to follow in the basement. Later, there will be an Open House Celebration of Life at Boog’s from 4:30-7:30 PM. We plan to share music from the many concerts he attended.

Bob was born on July 29, 1955, to Francis and Dorothy (Bisson) Lorenz in Watertown, SD. Bob moved to Newell, Spearfish, Pierre, and finally Huron in 1964. Bob was active in wrestling, football, and golf. In his senior year he was tri-captain of the football team and a candidate for royalty. He graduated in 1974 and later attended SDSU for art. His art design was chosen for Parkston’s Centennial logo.

Bob and his wife, Nancy (Skorheim), dated in high school. They married on June 30, 1979, and spent the next 47 years creating their family and life-long memories shared by family and friends. Bob moved to Parkston where Nancy was employed as an elementary teacher. Bob became the school bus manager. At age 32, he started a new career with Tessier’s where he worked as a tinner until he retired. Bob was often “on the road” during the work week, and made many good friends and memories there as well. One of his favorite activities was Tessier’s Father’s Day Fishing Tournament.

Boy Scouts was an important part of Bob’s growing up years because his dad was his scout leader. Bob worked as a Boy Scout camp counselor several summers. His Boy Scout sash, loaded with badges, has been kept as a reminder of Bob’s love for his Dad and brothers’ time together. While in Parkston, he served as the Boy Scout leader for Troop 94 for several years. He was most proud of the 50 Mile Badge his troop earned by hiking through the Black Hills. 

Bob loved to golf and was active in his younger years at Parkston Country Club. He seldom missed a men’s night with his partner, Andy Tate.  He instilled the love of golf in his children, who are now passing the love of this sport on to their children.

Money was tight during child raising years, but many special memories were made with friends while camping in tents, having house parties, and hosting the annual Lorenz Fourth of July Party.

Bob loved to follow the Trojans, including his kids’ activities. He was also a Twins and Vikings fan. Unfortunately, because of his Alzheimer’s, he only had a few years to cheer on his grandchildren, but he especially enjoyed hearing, “I love you, Grandpa!” and dancing with them to his favorite oldies.

Bob found his greatest joy in the outdoors with friends and family. From fishing in his boat for walleye on the Missouri to hunting antelope, turkey, deer, and pheasants on the South Dakota prairie, he always made sure everyone had a great time by sharing stories and laughs. He also challenged himself with bow hunting and ice fishing. His favorite saying was, “The worst day of fishing beats the best day of working.” Bob got to fulfill his dream of going to Alaska before he was homebound. Bob will be remembered for his great sense of humor, his storytelling, and for being a true friend.  He was a devoted husband and father who always put family first. 

Grateful to have shared his life is his wife, Nancy (Skorheim); children Maggie (Dustin) Stevens of Centerville, SD and Bart (Maggie) Lorenz of Parkston, SD; grandchildren Miles, Izleigh, and Vada Stevens; Quinn, Piper, and Laine Lorenz; sister Joan (Keith) DeShazer and brother Dave (Jeannie) Lorenz, and  in-laws; JoAnn Lorenz, Susan Reinhart, Colleen (Mark) Fischer, Rich (Kathy) Skorheim, Joe (Linda), and Sam Skorheim. Uncle Bob was also special to many nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Fran and Dorothy Lorenz, brother, Jim Lorenz, and in-laws Harold and Janice Skorheim.

Alzheimer’s had affected Bob for almost 10 years, but with the help of a wonderful caretaker and friend, Jen Leischner, he was able to stay home almost to the end. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be given to Dougherty Hospice House 4509 S Prince of Peace Pl Sioux Falls, SD 57103, in Bob’s name.