Lorena's Obituary
Lorena Ann Lauritzen, age 92, passed away peacefully in her home in the early hours of February 20, 2024. She is survived by her husband and the love of her life, Richard (“Dick”) Lauritzen; daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and David Shotwell; son and daughter-in-law, Jonathan and Lori Lauritzen; grandsons, Derek Ditora, Erik Lauritzen and Andrew Lauritzen; step-grandson, Christopher Shotwell; step-granddaughter and step-grandson-in-law, Sarah Shotwell and David Provenzano; and great-step-granddaughter, Maple Shotwell Provenzano. Lorena’s greatest joy was her family.
Lorena was born on September 5, 1931, in Hollister, California, the only child of Grace and Fred Wilson. She spent her early and teenage years in Hollister and Avenal, California. She attended Fresno State College and graduated in 1953 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in business. During her college years, she excelled academically and pledged the Tri Sigma Sorority serving as its president during her senior year. Lorena met Dick Lauritzen at Fresno State College, and they were married on June 19, 1954, in Pacific Grove, California. Shortly after their marriage, Lorena and Dick moved to St. Louis, Missouri where Dick attended Medical School at Washington University and Lorena worked in the advertising department of a large electronics company. Their daughter, Lisa, was born in St. Louis, and their son, Jon, was born in Coronado, California while Dick was serving in the Navy. Upon Dick’s graduation from medical school and completion of his residency in General Surgery, Lorena and Dick moved their young family to Great Falls, Montana where Dick was a surgeon until his retirement in 1998.
Lorena enjoyed the outdoors. She snow skied, played golf and tennis, rode horses, backpacked, and at Dick’s insistence, tried her hand at fly fishing. She was an amazing cook introducing creative dishes to her appreciative (mostly) family.
Lorena loved playing bridge, engaging with her book club, and being an active member of her beloved PEO chapter where she served in numerous leadership positions. She also served as President of the Cascade County Women’s Medical Auxiliary.
Lorena was known for her great intellect. Her knowledge of matters extended far and deep and her memory was infallible, even to her last days. She was a voracious reader and had a keen, quick wit. She was a loyal, caring friend. Beyond all else, Lorena was the best wife and mother. She will be missed terribly, but her family and friends are comforted knowing that Lorena had a long, wonderful life and made this world a better place.
A celebration of Lorena’s life will take place on Friday, June 14, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Meadowlark Country Club. Lorena was a longtime supporter of the C.M. Russell Museum in Great Falls. Anyone wishing to make a donation in her name is encouraged to do so to the Museum ((406) 727-8787/www.cmrussell.org).
