"Lorenzo Gnuse was a bright person when we met him during the years in America and Germany as well. He died 3 days before our father, Willy Seppmann, 82 (Germany). Nine months ago but still missed. All best to his family and especially to his brother Don Gnuse, Quincy, during this coming Christmas time 2012."
In loving memory of
Lorenzo A Gnuse
February 24, 2012
Lorenzo A. Gnuse, age 84, a well-known banker in northeast Missouri and a resident of Quincy for many years, died Tuesday, February 14th in Overland Park, Kansas, where he has resided near family for the last 2 years.
Mr. Gnuse was born in Quincy on August 17th, 1927, the son of Lorenzo Michael Heinrich Gnuse and Ida Ellen Hermes. Lorenzo graduated from Lewistown High School in Lewistown, Missouri, in 1945 and attended Valparaiso University in Indiana for one year. He then went on to graduate from Gem City Business College and began his banking career of more than fifty years at the Lewistown State Bank, founded by his parents. He was named President of the bank in 1970, leading the bank to open two additional branch banks in Edina and Ewing Missouri. After retirement, he continued to chair the Board of Directors until the past couple of years.
He was very active in St. John's Episcopal Church, serving on the vestry many times and as Chalice Bearer (Lay Minister) for 10 years. Lorenzo also served as an Alderman and Mayor of Lewistown several terms, and he was a past President of Kiwanis International in Lewistown.
Lorenzo married Enna Marie Spicknall (deceased in 1993) in 1949. They are survived by two daughters: Revé Marie Butler and her husband, Dennis Butler of Overland Park, Kansas, and Julia Ann Gnuse of Ladera Ranch, California, south of Los Angeles. Lorenzo and Dorothy Hancock (deceased in 2008) were married in 1987. Dorothy has one surviving son, The Reverend James C. Emerson of Columbia, Missouri, a daughter-in-law, Beth Emerson of Hannibal, Missouri, and their two daughters, Meredith Emerson of Independence, Missouri, and Courtney and her husband, Dan Transier, of Yorkville, Illinois. A third daughter, Brooke Emerson, passed away in 2003. Lorenzo has one surviving brother, Donald K. Gnuse of Quincy, Illinois, who has also spent his career in banking. He is also survived by Don's children, Barbara Freiburg and her husband David Freiburg, Pamela Craven, and Charles Michael Gnuse and his wife Michelle, all of Quincy.
Family, friends, employees and customers will always remember Lorenzo as a man of great faith, who was kind, humble, and loving.
Services: Saturday, February 18, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at St. John's Anglican Parish at 701 Hampshire Street, with the Rev. Patrick Smith officiating.
Burial: Lewistown Cemetery, Lewistown, Missouri
Visitation: Friday, February 17, 2012 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. in St. John's Anglican Parish, 701 Hampshire
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donation may be made to St. John's Anglican Parish or the Quincy Humane Society.
Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.
Tributes
"Mr. Gnuse was a fine Christian gentleman (a life-long Anglican), very devoted to his parish, and to the several communities in which he resided and served. My prayers are for his extended family but also with the "sure and certain hope of the resurrection.""
"Lorenzo was a kind and caring gentleman with a wonderful sense of humor. It was an honor to have worked for him and known him. Our sympathy to the family."
"Our family considers Lorenzo a dear friend and a true gentleman. We will miss his kindness, his great sense of humor, and his ability to make everyone around him feel special. I wish to extend heartfelt sympathy to his family and to Reve and Dennis, in particular. Your loving care for Lorenzo allowed him to live his last years in Kansas City with dignity and joy."
"I first met Lorenzo in February, 2009, when we were in the same retirement center. We enjoyed meal times together, with many memorable conversations. He was always concerned more about the needs of others, than about his own needs. Although our time of friendship was short, it produced as many pleasant memories as if I had known him my entire life. Very few people ever have the kind, caring, quiet, and friendly disposition that Lorenzo had. I pray that God will provide peace, strength, and comfort to Reve, Dennis, and all family members, in this time of sorrow."
"May God who watches over us and hears us when we pray, be near to you at this time and give strength and comfort to your family today. May He bless and keep you in His loving care and to know He is always there for you. Expressing deepest sympathy at the lost of your Father and just to let you know Reve and Julia your friends are near as your Heavenly Father is."
"I will always fondly remember the time spent with Lorenzo in Quincy. His humor and smile brightened the day and his friendship was so appreciated. He will be greatly missed!"
"I am very sorry to learn of Lorenzo's passing. He was a great man who achieved so much and who at the same time was kind, caring, and of cheerful and sunny disposition. He will be missed. My condolences to Julia, Reve, and the family."