"My condolences and sympathy to you all. I was lucky enough to be present at the "ketchup" toast lunch one fine summer day out at the farm in Decorah. I have such fond memories of our visits to the Stortz place. Loren will be missed. "
Loren Virgil Stortz, 63, loved the simple things in life and never took anything too seriously. Born to Virgil and Margaret (Halvorson) Stortz on November 27, 1957, he was raised on the family farm near Decorah, Iowa. When he "got shoes", he went to school in Decorah and eventually to Luther College where he would focus his studies in history and religion.
Loren later moved to Rochester, Minnesota and was united in marriage to Carol Eiden on November 12, 1988. They made their home outside of Elgin, MN, where he died unexpectedly on April 20, 2021 with his trusty companion Dilly by his side.
Loren had a great sense of humor, strong work ethic, and a deep appreciation of history. He always had the right quip to lighten any situation. Loren was a connoisseur of cinema and was well-versed on which actors starred in obscure movies. Loren loved living in the country and enjoyed being outdoors; he definitely did not burn his own garbage. Loren mowed a fine lawn, could fix anything, and was almost too skilled at building a successful fire. He was a creative cook, ketchup's #1 fan, and famous for making the best Krumkake outside of Norway. Loren was a jack of all trades AND a master of all. He was committed to helping others, which included many years of blood/platelet donation for the Mayo Clinic Blood Donor Program. He was proud to make it into the "100 Donations" book, eventually donating 241 units of blood product to this day. Above all, Loren's family, children, and grandchildren were his greatest source of pride in life.
Loren is survived by his wife Carol Stortz; children Megan Gluth-Bohan (Peg), Carl Stortz (Heather), Ethan Stortz, Hannah Stortz, and Evan Stortz (Leah); grandchildren Sara, Jolie, Ellinor, and August; twin brother Lowell Stortz (Debra); sisters Diane Stortz and Beverly Nichols (Paul); and his beloved Dilly, "the best dog in the whole world." He was preceded in death by his parents and infant sister Sharon Stortz.
A family-centered service will be held for Loren on May 7 at Pax Christi Church in Rochester, MN. He will be interred at Hauge Lutheran Cemetery in Decorah, Iowa. In lieu of donations, please consider becoming a regular donor of blood or blood products.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Stortz family; to share a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com
"My condolences and sympathy to you all. I was lucky enough to be present at the "ketchup" toast lunch one fine summer day out at the farm in Decorah. I have such fond memories of our visits to the Stortz place. Loren will be missed. "
"Loren was a friend to all at Decorah High School. He may have been smarter than our teachers and he definitely had a better sense of humor. Loren rolled around town in a gray El Camino back in those days- the only one in the county. Loren was distinctive -in the best of ways. Rex Holland Classmate"
"My deepest sympathy to you and your family. A cousin."
"Carol, Ethan, Hannah, and Evan, We are so sorry to hear of your loss and we're sending our deepest sympathy to you and your whole family. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We hope your cherished family memories will sustain you in the days ahead. Laurie and Jim Korsmo "
"Beverly, I didn't know your brother, but his obituary revealed so much about his life and personality - as obituaries often do. I extend my deepest sympathy to you and Loren's famlly. i'll hold you in my thoughts and prayers during these days and as the memories come flooding back and live on. My best to all, Elizabeth Kaschins"
"So very sorry for your loss. Thinking of your family during this time."
"Carol, Ethan and, Hannah; I'm deeply sadden to hear of the passing of Loren. I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers. Raymond Kressin "
"Carol, Ethan and Hannah - my most sincere sympathy. When the petitions were read at Mass this morning I was hoping I had heard it incorrectly. All of you will be in my thoughts and prayers. He has won the race and beat us home. He is now reclining at the table of the Lord."
"One of my best childhood friends. Will miss that infectious smile. Hugs and love to all."
"One of my best childhood friends. Will miss that infectious smile. Hugs and love to all."
"Carol, Hannah, Evan and Family, We grieve with you the loss of Loren, husband and father. May your cherished memories and his loving presence in your hearts carry you through this difficult time and continue to be with you forever. Brad, Debbie, Ashley and Jordan Treder"
"Carol, Ethan, Hannah, and Evan...Our deepest sympathy and prayers to all of you. I will remember his smile and how proud he was of all of you. May your memories give you peace and comfort. Mary, Amanda, and Joseph Pyfferoen "A human life is a story told by God." - Hans Christian Andersen (and what a story he told)"
"Carol and family. So very sorry to read about the loss of your husband Loren. Know that I'm thinking of you and sending you strength. We worked at Assisi Heights together along time ago. Sincere condolences Carol. Becky Stevens LPN"
"My deepest condolences to you and your family Carol . May God?s Love Comfort you in this difficult time . You are in my prayers and thoughts . Cheryl Knutson "
"Carol and family, I was so shocked and saddened to read of your sudden loss of Loren, it's hard to believe. He was such a wonderful person in so many ways. My heart hurts for you all and you'll be in my prayers for a long time to come. Please let Paul and I know if you need anything at all. I'll dedicate my next blood donation to him. Healing and peace to you all. Love, Renee and Paul Olsen"
"I'm so so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and My heart goes out to you. I had the pleasure of working with Loren the last 7 years. "
"I spent my high school years with Loren, telling great stories (not all true) and enjoying his friendship and humor!"
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of a wonderful person who made a lasting impression on everyone he met. Our prayers are offered to Loren, Carol, the Stortz and Eiden family. God Bless You All. David and Teresa Silker"
"Carol & family, the members of the Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 1005, Rochester Public Transit, send their deepest sympathy and condolences in the loss of Loren. Loren was well respected and thought highly of from all his union brothers and sisters. I had the pleasure of working with Loren starting back in the early 1990's, and have remained friends ever since. We all will miss him dearly. RIP brother. Dave Gosha, Executive Board member, ATU Local 1005."
"He was fun to work with at the Viking and Drive-in Theaters and his sense of humor was great. Cherish all your memories. Renate Fabricius Hunter"
"CAROL & FAMILY -- You have my deepest, sincerest sympathy. Those who love us never go away. Loren will always be with you in spirit and the your fondest memories. Sandi Severson"
"Going to school with Loren in Decorah was unforgettable as he had the most wonderful sense of humor. My sincerest condolences to his family. Karen (Pfister) Parhizi"
"Our sympathies to Loren's family. Jerry and Elaine Thompson"
"My sympathy, prayers, and loving thoughts to the whole family. I will definitely give my next blood donation on May 24 in Loren's honor. So saddened by your loss. Cousin, Lorraine (Strub) Herman"
"Carol and family I'm so so sorry for your loss. Your in my thoughts and I pray for your family. My heart goes out to you Carol. Love you annie meyer"