Suzanne H. Lohrenz

Suzanne was born September 1, 1930, in Peoria, Illinois, the daughter of Freda Ann (Swaar) and Robert Frederick Hilyard. She married Robert M. Lohrenz on September 25, 1949, at the First Presbyterian Church in Mason City, Illinois. Suzanne was preceded in death by her parents; husband; infant brother, William Frederick Hilyard; and sisters, Betty Jean Kane and Margaret Hoff.

Suzanne (Sue) is survived by her son, Bob Lohrenz of West Des Moines, Iowa; daughter, Ann (David) Anderson of Lake Bluff, Illinois; grandchildren, Parker (Andrea) Lohrenz, Marshall (Kate) Lohrenz, and Emily Anderson; great-grandchildren, Amelia, Sylvia, Zane, Evelyn, Abigail, and Ian; sister, Karen Barrett of Petersburg, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.

Sue graduated from Easton High School in Mason County, Illinois. She attended the University of Illinois-Champaign, where she met her husband, Robert. They raised their family in the Village of Jerome where they lived for over 40 years. Sue was a busy, “stay-at-home” mom - volunteering as classroom-mother, active Khoury League mom, and 4-H leader. She also operated a small business – “Sue’s Draperies” -- creating beautiful window treatments and home designs from the 1960s till her retirement in 1993.

Sue was a creative artisan and dedicated volunteer, always willing to help neighbors when needed. She volunteered at Lincoln Memorial Gardens for 20+ years, serving on the Garden Board, while managing both the Split Rail Shop and craft-making activities that supported the Garden. Sue loved her Concordia family and especially enjoyed gathering with friends for wine and piano music every Friday at Concordia. Her favorite activities also included time with her grandchildren, gardening, cooking, and baking --Sue was well-known for her cheesecake!

A private family graveside ceremony will be held at Oak Ridge Cemetery.

The family will host a Celebration of Life at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at Concordia Village, 4101 West Iles Avenue, Springfield, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Lincoln Memorial Gardens or the Concordia Village Scholarship Fund.

The family is being served by Boardman-Smith Funeral Home, 800 South Grand Avenue West,