Joseph Lorentz, age 78 of Eagle Bend, passed away on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at Essentia St. Joseph's Hospital in Brainerd.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at Christ the King Catholic Church in Browerville at 11:00 a.m. A rosary will be prayed at 9:45 am, followed by a visitation until the start of Mass. Burial will immediately follow the mass at the church cemetery.

 

Joseph Peter Lorentz was born on October 10, 1947, in Bertha, Minnesota, to Michael and Elizabeth (Carkhuff) Lorentz. He grew up on a farm near Eagle Bend and, through hard work, perseverance, and determination, became a man known for his kindness, generosity, and willingness to help anyone in need. Joe graduated from Eagle Bend High School in 1967 before proudly enlisting in the United States Air Force. He faithfully served his country during the Vietnam Era from 1967 until July 1971, a service he carried with great pride throughout his life.

When Joe returned home from the Air Force, he went back to driving a milk truck, a job he had started while still in high school. He later worked for Hitchcock in Minneapolis before returning to Todd County. He then worked for Challenger Construction and Blombeck Construction for many years before joining the Todd County Highway Department, where he remained until his retirement.

Joe learned the art of stone master craftsmanship from his father-in-law, “Tom” Scharnoski, and it soon became a passion he truly enjoyed. Many homes, fireplaces, chimneys, and buildings throughout the area stand as a lasting testament to his exceptional craftsmanship. Beyond his career, Joe generously shared his time and talents with his community. He served as an assistant to the local veterinarian and spent many hunting seasons helping process deer at the local meat market and grocery store in Eagle Bend. Whether through his work, his craftsmanship, or his willingness to help others, Joe quietly made a lasting impact on those around him. He was truly a man of many talents. When he wasn’t working, Joe treasured traveling with his family, making memories together, and taking in the beauty of God’s creation. Those moments spent together became some of his greatest joys.

 

On February 3, 1973, Joe married the love of his life, Susan. Together they built a beautiful life and raised their three daughters, Angela, Jessica, and Carmen, on their rural Eagle Bend home and property. Nothing made Joe prouder than his family. His greatest joy was watching it grow through grandchildren and great-grandchildren, creating memories around hunting trips, card games, family gatherings, and simply being together. He especially cherished taking his grandchildren hunting and passing down the traditions he loved most.

 

Joe was a man of great wit, known for his endless one-liners and playful sense of humor. His favorite reminder to anyone facing life’s challenges was, “Smile…it could always be worse.” Those simple words reflected the optimism and steady perspective that carried him through life.

 

Long before it became popular, Joe was a true foodie. He loved trying new foods and was just as comfortable in the kitchen as anyone. He especially enjoyed baking treats, experimenting with new recipes, and sharing them with family and friends. His homemade coconut cream pie quickly became a family favorite, and one of his most cherished Christmas traditions was making rosettes each year with his grandson, Finnley—a tradition filled with laughter and memories that will be treasured forever.

 

Joe was an avid hunter and fisherman who also enjoyed participating in the local golf league and spending time visiting with friends and neighbors at coffee, shaking dice or playing a game of cards, especially cribbage with his buddies. He could often be found with a cold Diet Coke in hand or a cold coffee. He attended many school board and township meetings with a smile on his face. Joe never met a stranger. His warm smile, genuine kindness, and welcoming personality made everyone feel like an old friend. He was deeply proud to be an American, grateful for the opportunity to serve his country, and carried that pride throughout his life.

 

On Sunday, July 12, 2026, Joe passed away peacefully at Essentia Health St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Brainerd at the age of 78. In his final moments, he was surrounded by those he loved most—his devoted wife, Susie, his three daughters, his sons-in-law, and all of his grandchildren. Together they held his hands, prayed over him, and remained by his side as he peacefully entered his eternal home.

 

Joe’s legacy lives on in the many lives he touched through his faith, kindness, generosity, laughter, unwavering love for his family, and the beautiful craftsmanship he left behind. He will be remembered for his servant’s heart, his quick wit, his willingness to help anyone in need, and the love he shared so freely. Above all, Joe’s greatest hope was found in his faith in Jesus Christ, a faith that grew throughout his life and brought him peace in the end. While his presence will be deeply missed, the values he instilled, the memories he created, and the example he set will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. Joe’s life was one of quiet service—to his country, to his family, to his community, and to his Lord. It was a life well lived and a legacy that will endure for generations.

 

Joe leaves behind his loving wife of 53 years, Susan “Susie” (Scharnoski) Lorentz; daughters, Angela “Annie” (Corey) Hunter, Jessica “Bugs” (John) Hommerding, and Carmen “Bunky” (Kyle) Grinstead; grandchildren, Kellei Thone, Cody Hunter, Lilly Hunter, Austin Hunter, Audrey Hunter (Colton), Anna Hunter, Everley Hunter, Colin Hommerding, Ava Hommerding, Michael Hommerding, William Lorentz-Spychalla (Noa), Finnley Grinstead (Bella), Nashwin Pesta, and Ivyanca Pesta; great-grandchildren; siblings, Michele (Charlie) DeBlieck, Becky (John) Walker, Gabe Lorentz, and Pat Kirikiti; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Elizabeth Lorentz; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Tom and Eleanora Scharnoski; His brothers George Lorentz, Dan Lorentz, and Brad Lorentz and other loved ones who welcomed him into eternal life.