Bill Lorenzen

Billie Gene Lorenzen, 80, of Truro died Wednesday, July 20, 2016, at his home in Truro.

A memorial visitation was held from 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 23, at Truro Congregational UCC in Truro. A time of sharing memories began at noon. Per Bill's wishes, he was cremated, and interment will be in Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel at a later time. Memorial contributions may be directed to HCI Care Services of Osceola or the Truro Library. Online condolences may be left at www.kalefuneralhome.com.

Billie Gene Lorenzen, son of Frank Hickman Lorenzen and Phyllis Thelma Sheets (Merryman) Lorenzen, was born Nov. 19, 1935, east of Booneville, in Dallas County. In 1938, Bill’s family moved from the Booneville area to a farm north of Truro and remained there until 1952. He attended school in Madison County and graduated from Truro Consolidated High School in 1954.

On May 26, 1956, Bill married Helen Delores Lamm in Sioux Rapids, and following their marriage, they made their home in an apartment in the south end of Truro. Bill worked at Natural Gas Pipeline. They later purchased a house on East Center Street in 1957, which was home for the next 10 years.

In 1958, Bill was drafted to serve his country with the United States Army. He was stationed at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and later at Fort Lewis near Tacoma, Washington. Bill was honorably discharged in July 1960 after two years of active service. Bill and Helen returned to Truro where Bill went back to work at Natural Gas Pipeline Company. Bill and Helen then purchased the AB Johnson residence, across the street from Kale Funeral Home in Truro, and moved there in the fall of 1966 until the present time.

Bill retired in August 1997 after more than 40 years with Natural Gas Pipeline. In their time following retirement, Bill and Helen traveled to southwest Texas in their motor home during the winter months for more than 10 years.

Bill is survived by his wife, Helen; daughter Dione (William) Young of St. Charles; son Brett (Kimberly) Lorenzen of Nixa, Missouri; grandsons, Forrest (fiancée Betsey Schmillen) of West Des Moines, Tucker Young of Polk City and Garrett Young of St. Charles; granddaughter Haley (Van) Bridges of Springfield, Missouri; great-granddaughter Emma Kay Bridges; brother-in-law Merrill Lamm; sister-in-law Virginia Beener as well as nieces, nephews and many other relatives and friends.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; half-brother Jack Merryman; wife, Catherine (Genson) Merryman and sister-in-law Ethel Rosander.