LORENCE, EDMUND G.

Reverend Edmund Gene Lorence, 93, of Minneapolis, passed away March 19, 2016.

He was born February 6, 1923 to Edward and Blanche Lorence on a farm near Dassel, MN.

He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Dorothy; sister Marion Dahlberg; brother Lloyd; step-son Thomas.

Edmund is survived by his sister, Lucille (Don) Lanning; wife, Bess; children: Grace (Rich); Gene Jr. (Anetha); Larry; Robert (Julie); Rebekah; step-children: Jaqlyn (Randy); Greg (Michelle); Kelly; Teri; 21 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren; and many spiritual children.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 2, 11 a.m., Plymouth Covenant Church, 4300 Vicksburg Lane N., Plymouth, MN 55446.

June 15, 1942 he enlisted with the U.S. Marine Corps Raiders. He fought in fierce, non-stop, bloody combat on Guam, then trained to invade Japan. Even though he came out of WWII unharmed, the unseen wound found its mark. He graduated from Biola University after WWII. He served as a missionary in Brazil. He spent two years working with indigenous tribes in the primitive back waters of the Amazon River. Stateside he married and raised his family, 5 children, with Dorothy. Family mattered. Practicing the gift of hospitality, there was always an extra plate or two at the dinner table. He served as an elder for Bethany Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis. He recorded a music record for a Christian Native American gospel group. True Minnesotans love to fish. He holds the record of the largest Muskie caught in 1986 on Leech Lake. After his first wife died, he married Bess. His family grew with 5 step-children and numerous grand and great-grandchildren. Ed founded Morning Star Christian Ministries, where he and Bess counseled and nurtured a lot of people. In 2001, he visited and enjoyed the homeland where his family immigrated from the Czech Republic. 93 years young, the Lord Jesus gave him his final orders, come home. Dad, you are our hero. We love you and will see you again. Semper Fi.