Carol Gorentz

Carol Elizabeth Flora Gorentz, 91, passed away Tuesday July 28, 2015 at the Green Pine Acres Nursing Home in Menahga, with members of her family at her bedside. Carol was born to Frederick C.F. and Flora (Danner) Schmidt in St Paul, MN on September 25, 1923. She was baptized into Christ on October 21, 1923 and was later confirmed in the Christian faith. She attended Bethany Lutheran High School in Mankato, MN. Later she joined her father on her uncle's farm in North Dakota when it was shorthanded during World War II. Carol and a cousin had memorable adventures together, as much of the work and fun was done on horseback. After the war, she lived with her father in his country store in Kongsberg, North Dakota, where she met and was courted by the new pastor of the Lutheran church next door. On July 28, 1947, Carol and Bernard "Ben" Gorentz were married there, at St. John's Lutheran Church. For the next 34 years Carol and Ben lived in parsonages in North Dakota, Nebraska, and Minnesota. In 1981 they moved to their retirement home on Portage Lake near Park Rapids. During her horseback days she played the guitar, and after she was married continued to enjoy playing the piano and church singing. She served at times as a church pianist and organist. Carol liked to spend time with her children and their friends, both indoors and outdoors. During school winters she rooted along with her children for snow days so they could do things together at home. She enjoyed family camping vacations to many parts of North America - trips that later included grandchildren. She enjoyed visiting her children's families and having them visit her home. She also enjoyed gardening, making quilts, oil painting, and her dogs. She spent many hours reading and discussing the Bible. Carol is survived by her sister, Marilyn "Dolly" Jeffcoat of El Cajon, California; children, John (Myra) Gorentz of Battle Creek, Mich., James (Kathy) Gorentz of Park Rapids, Carol Ashley of Park Rapids, Michael Gorentz of Merriam, Kan. and Rachel Creager (Ron Schirmers) of Park Rapids; grandchildren Kerri Gorentz of Dublin, Ireland, Daniel Gorentz of Park Rapids, Matthew Gorentz of Empire, Mich., Cody Schirmers of Park Rapids, Mandy Schirmers of Park Rapids, Emily Creager of San Marcos, Calif., and Natalie Nguyen of Overland Park, Kan. Carol was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Ben. Funeral service will be held 11 AM Saturday August 8, 2015 at St John's Lutheran Church in Park Rapids with Rev. Tim Heinecke officiating. The organist will be Melissa Koch and Walt & Anita Hannemann will be singing "How Great Is Thy Faithfulness". Active casket bearers will be Kerri Gorentz, Daniel Gorentz, Matthew Gorentz, Mandy Schirmers, Emily Creager, and Natalie Nguyen. Honorary casket bearer will be Cody Schirmers. Visitation will be held 5 PM - 7 PM Friday August 7, 2015 at Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids. Interment will take place at Greenwood Cemetery in Park Rapids following the service. The family suggests that memorials be designated for Lutheran Indian Ministries or Living at Home. To leave online condolences or view the video tribute, please visit www.jonespearson.com.