Funeral service for Orlin Gene Lohrenz, 87, of Fairview will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, August 12, 2016 at the Saron Mennonite Church in Orienta, Oklahoma. Burial will follow in the Saron Mennonite Cemetery. Arrangements are by Fairview Funeral Home, Inc.

Orlin Gene Lohrenz went home to be with his Heavenly Father and wife Sally on August 7, 2016. Gene was born to John and Lena (Hiebert) Lohrenz on April 20, 1929. He was raised on the family farm near Orienta. He attended a rural school west of Orienta and graduated from Oklahoma Bible Academy in Meno, Oklahoma.

He met his wife and best friend, Sarah "Sally" Friesen, of Meade, Kansas while he was working for Isaac Custom Harvesting. They were married on April 18, 1959 in Meade, Kansas. They lived on a farm near Orienta where they enjoyed 52 years of a wonderful marriage.

Gene worked for Hiebert Brothers Construction and Waldon's as a welder. Gene loved the farming way of life. It was rewarding planting the seed, watching it grow and seeing it mature to harvest. He loved his life time relationships with his fellow neighboring farmers and the strong agricultural community. As a family, we worked together on the farm, whether it was hauling wheat, hauling bales, feeding cows and pigs or driving the tractor.   Because of this and by his example, he has instilled in his children good hard work ethics.

Gene was a member of Saron Mennonite Church in Orienta, Oklahoma where he served as a Deacon, Trustee, Sunday school teacher, choir member and was on the food committee with Sally. Gene and Sally loved the adventures with the youth group at Saron, especially the boating trips to Canton Lake.

Gene loved family gatherings and helping others. There was always room for one more in his home. Gene and Sally opened their home to nieces and nephews, whose parents were missionaries in other countries, so they could attend Oklahoma Bible Academy.

Gene enjoyed attending many of his grandchildren's school programs, concerts and events, especially "Grandparent's Day" at Emmanuel Christian School. He was so proud of his grandchildren.

Gene is survived by his children, Norma and David Cutler and Mike and Ellen Lohrenz; five grandchildren, Zachary and his wife Amanda, Caitlin, Holly, Tiffany and Taylor; his sister, Donna Nickel of Corn, Oklahoma. He was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife Sally, Brother Norman and Sisters Betty, Wanda, Anita, Marley and Lorraine.

He is without question in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ, reunited with his beloved wife Sally, mother, father, sisters and brother.

Memorial contributions may be made to Gideon's International with Fairview Funeral Home Inc. acting as custodian.

Dad has left his family and friends with many wonderful life lessons and precious memories. He was an amazing husband, an awesome Dad, a fun Grandpa and an incredible father-in-law. He leaves his children and grandchildren with the knowledge that they were truly loved and they know he loved the Lord. Thank you Dad!