*Lorren C. Church, 85, longtime resident of Owatonna, Minn., died April 23, 2014 at Homestead Hospice House. Lorren was born on Dec. 13, 1928, the son of Fred and Ella Engebretson Church, in Luverne, Minn.. He attended high school in Luverne and graduated from there in 1946. Lorren enlisted in the Army in 1946 at the age of 17, with the permission of his parents. He served in Japan in the occupation forces until 1948. After his military service, Lorren attended St. Olaf College and graduated with a business degree in 1952. Lorren was recruited by Federated Insurance in 1952, where he met his future wife, Romaine. Lorren was united in marriage to Romaine Thurnau on May 18, 1957, at St. John Evangelical Church in Owatonna. The couple made their home in Owatonna. Lorren continued work at Federated in the underwriting department for many years and retired in 1990. He was a member of the V.F.W. Hugo Matejcek Post 3723, American Legion, and the Sons of Norway. Life interests included golf — in his younger years he enjoyed many sports, including baseball, volleyball, bowling, and softball; traveling in retirement; and daily crossword puzzles with his wife. Lorren will be remembered for his sense humor and spontaneously singing old songs.

Lorren was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Romaine; daughter, Sara; son, David; grandson, Jesse Lorren; brother, James Church; sister, JoAnn Rhoda; and many nieces and nephews. Memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church building fund or Homestead Hospice beautification fund.