Obituary

Charles Lorenz, age 90, of Portage passed away peacefully on November 8, 2024. He was surrounded by loved ones during his final days.

Charles was born on June 27, 1934, to Fred and Florence (Johnson) Lorenz in Wanatah, Indiana. He graduated from Liberty High School in 1952 and married Madelyn Samuelson on August 11, 1957. They raised a large family including eight children and multiple grandchildren in a village of their family and friends. Together they were parents to many, hosting exchange students and friends and family in their loving home. And in their younger days, they were often the hosts whether for a holiday, early Sunday house church, a card party or a fire in their basement hearth.

Charles was known for his hard work and ability to fix most things. Starting as a school bus driver, he was a businessman and entrepreneur at heart - once becoming President of the Optimists Club. In addition to owning and operating Samuelson Insurance Agency for many years, he had several rental properties and even co-owned a laundromat and tavern. He was a thinker and a doer and always knew how to get things done. He worked at the office during the day and in the garden or on the farm in the evening.

Charles was successful in the insurance industry earning bonus trips around the world - igniting a passion for travel with Madelyn. They visited all 50 states and several countries - including extended trips with the fifth wheel during retirement. Charles loved to fish and to farm, buying properties to enrich both hobbies. He took fishing trips to Flin Flon, Canada, every summer for years with good friends, and used his shared land near Fish Lake in LaPorte as a fishing retreat. He loved to share his farm in Southern Indiana with family and friends. Many grandkids still hold their favorite memories of “Papa” at the farm.

Charles is preceded in death by his wife Madelyn, his brother, two sisters and son John. Together, Chuck and Madelyn are survived by children Tim Begley, Chris (Bob) Stone, Beth Wrigley, Karen (Tod) Blakely, Jen (Pat) Costello, Julie (John) Risley, and Ken (Sara) Lorenz, seventeen grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

Charles was a generous man and he lived a meaningful and caring life with Madelyn and their family. Their reunion is to be celebrated even as we miss him on Earth. He wanted a small graveside service which will take place at 1:00 pm on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at McCool Cemetery, Portage, IN. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Portage First United Methodist Church, 2637 McCool Rd., Portage, IN 46368. To leave online condolences to the family, please visit www.ee-fh.com

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