CDR vonLorenz was born on July 3, 1933, in Minneapolis, MN, to James T. and Theona vonLorenz.
As a college student at the University of MN, he flew in the private aviation sector but realized he was interested in bigger and better things. He joined the US Navy in 1954 as a Naval aviator, where his fascination and love for aviation came to define his Naval career. He was a member of Patrol Squadrons VP48, VP812, and HS813.
After entering the Reserves in 1975, CDR vonLorenz signed with the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Dept as a deputy officer and a helicopter and fixed wing pilot. His retirement from the Sheriff’s office came in 1989 and, in 1993, he then enjoyed his full retirement from the Navy and relocated to Pensacola, FL, where he remained dedicated to aviation by volunteering as a curator at the Naval Air Station and flying his privately-owned tripacer.
CDR vonLorenz was very devoted to God, his country, and his family, (especially to his loving wife, Joan). He met Joan, an Army Lieutenant nurse, in Hawaii after he suffered an injury and she attended to him. That was the beginning of their beautiful love story, recently celebrating their 56th wedding anniversary last May.
He is survived by his wife, Joan (Ferrell); his son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Lisa (Westby); his daughter, Alicia (Conover), and his four grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, James T. and Theona; and his brother, Rolf.
A graveside service will take place at Barrancas National Cemetery, Pensacola, on March 5th at 10:30 am. The service will be officiated by Chaplain Griffin. Funeral arrangements are provided by Oak Lawn Funeral Home.
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