Frederick Oscar Lorenz's Obituary
Frederick Oscar Lorenz, 74, of Ames, Iowa, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, August 29 of Lewy Body Dementia. Frederick (Fred) was born on October 8, 1948 in Two Rivers, Wisconsin to Elsie (Barthels) and Norman Lorenz, the third of four children. He graduated from Manitowoc Lutheran High School in 1966, received an A.A. from Bethany Lutheran College (1968), a B.S. in mathematics from Mankato State University (1970), and an M.S. in economics from South Dakota State University (1972). After working as a research analyst for Aid Association for Lutherans (now Thrivent) in Appleton, WI, he returned to graduate school at Iowa State University where he received a Ph.D in sociology (1981). He joined the faculty at Iowa State in 1980 where he held joint appointments in the Sociology (and later Psychology) and Statistics Departments, as well as the Institute for Social and Behavioral Research, before retiring in 2016. As a statistical consultant, Fred interacted with many faculty members, seeking statistical advice and was known for his patience and clarity of explanation with the mathematically challenged. As Fred said: "Statistics--A great way to meet women!" Consulting with Roberta Vann resulted in their marriage in 1984, followed by the birth of their daughter, Katherine Vann-Lorenz in 1985. Fred was both an outstanding researcher with numerous publications and an outstanding teacher, recognized in 2002 when he was named University Professor. Fred was an essential member of the team of scientists who launched a decades long study of Iowa families in farming communities, evaluating the response of these families to the economic crisis in rural Iowa. Fred was generous with his time and expertise, and his colleagues and students not only respected his statistical mentorship but also enjoyed his friendship and good humor. Outside of the university, Fred was a loving husband and father, a loyal and generous member of his church and community, with a deep interest in both theology and science. He was also a lifelong runner, spending each lunch hour running in the YMCA woods, rain or shine. A nature and animal lover, Fred enjoyed hiking in the Pyrenees, the Rockies, or local Iowa forests, often stopping to try to hug a mountain goat or rattlesnake along the way. Fred is survived by his wife, Roberta, daughter, Kate, and son-in-law, Florent Deloffre. He is also survived by his brother, Edward Lorenz (Diane), sister-in-law Connie Lorenz, as well as twelve much-loved nieces and nephews. Fred was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Irene Humann (James) and brother, Paul Lorenz. A celebration of life will be held at 10:00 AM September 5 at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 2126 Gable Ln, Ames, Iowa 50014 (additional parking available at the ISU Memorial Union). A reception will follow at Homewood Clubhouse, 401 E. 20th St., in Ames. A private burial will take place at the Iowa State University Cemetery in Ames. In lieu of flowers, and as tribute to his lifelong love of higher learning, donations can be made in his name to Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, MN or to Iowa State University, directed to the Fred Lorenz Memorial Fund at the Iowa State University Foundation, 2505 University Boulevard, Ames, IA 50010. Gifts can also be made online at: securelb.imodules.com/s/1463/giving/interior.aspx?sid=1463&gid=1&pgid=1534&cid=4916&appealcode=ASG22FYE30 Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcreamtioncare.com
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