Reverend Bernard R. Gorentz

REVEREND BERNARD R. GORENTZ July 29, 1918 - May 9, 2015 Reverend Bernard Gorentz, age 96, of Park Rapids, Minnesota, passed away Saturday, May 9, 2015 at his home with his family at his side. He was born on July 29, 1918 to the late Gustav and Julianna (Harke) Gorentz, at their farm near Vergas MN, and was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith at Loon Lake Lutheran Church. Bernard graduated from Concordia Academy, St Paul in 1937, Concordia College, St Paul in 1939 and Concordia Seminary, St Louis in 1944. He was pastor of Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod congregations at Courtney, Max, Ryder, and Kongsberg ND (where he met and was united in marriage to Carol Schmidt). He also served at Stanley and Pick City ND, Bazile Mills and Verdigre, NE, and Ottertail, Richville, Calloway, and Ogema, MN. He retired in 1982, and then pastored at North Germany near Sebeka until he retired again in 2003. He enjoyed teaching confirmation classes until his final retirement. Ben enjoyed music, especially the music of J.S. Bach. He sang in college and seminary choirs, and in retirement sang in a barbershop quartet in Park Rapids. He enjoyed playing piano and organ. At some of his parishes he organized and led choral groups. Ben was an avid fisherman from age 5. He enjoyed being outdoors, and took his family on camping vacations to many parts of North America. Ben is survived by his wife of 68 years, Carol Gorentz, of Park Rapids, brother Gerald Gorentz of Vergas, children John (Myra) Gorentz of Battle Creek MI, James (Kathy) Gorentz of Park Rapids, Carol Ashley of Park Rapids, Michael Gorentz of Merriam KS, and Rachel Creager (Ron Schirmers) of Park Rapids. Grandchildren Kerri Gorentz of Dublin, Ireland, Daniel Gorentz of Park Rapids, Matthew Gorentz of Empire MI, Cody Schirmers of Park Rapids, Mandy Schirmers of Park Rapids, Emily Creager of San Marcos CA, and Natalie Nguyen of Overland Park KS. Ben was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers and sisters John, Edward, Clarence, Elfreida, Eleanor, and Vernon. Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 pm, Friday May 15, at St John's Lutheran Church in Park Rapids, MN with Reverend James Neubauer and Reverend Tim Heinecke officiating. Sarah Kaufenburg will be the organist. Prelude music will be played by Kathy Gorentz. Vocalists will be Walt and Anita Hannemann. Active Casket Bearers will be Daniel Gorentz, Matthew Gorentz, Mandy Schirmers, Kerri Gorentz, Cody Schirmers, Nathan Gorentz and Joel Gorentz. Honorary Casket Bearers will be Emily Creager, Natalie Nguyen, Jonathon Gorentz and Andrew Gorentz. Internment at Greenwood Cemetery will follow the service. Visitation will be from 5-7 pm on Thursday May 14, at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids. To view the video tribute or to leave on line condolences please visit www.jonespearson.com.