Mary Lorentsen, age 82, a resident of Wheaton, died at home on Monday, August 21. She was born at home on January 10, 1924 in Ottawa, IL to Edgar and Henrietta Varland.

After graduating in 1947 from St. Olaf College, Mary taught Bible classes in the Bend, OR public school system. She then went on to receive a Master's Degree from Wheaton College in 1950. Mary served as a counselor at Honey Rock Camp, Wheaton College's Northwoods Campus in Three Lakes, WI, during its first year of operation. She taught first grade at Wheaton Christian Grammar School from 1954 - 1958 and then again from 1972 - 1986.

She married Walter Lorentsen on July 13, 1957. Together they built a home in Wheaton, where they have lived for 48 years. She was a charter member of the Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Wheaton and has been a longtime member of the College Church in Wheaton, where she sang in the choir. She was a member and volunteer at the Morton Arboretum, where she enjoyed bird watching. Since 1989 she has enjoyed spending time at their home in Three Lakes, Wisconsin; biking, birding, and cross country skiing. She also has been active at the Three Lakes Evangelical Free Church.

She is survived by her husband, Walter, three sons, John (Deb) Lorentsen of Wheaton, James (Amy) Lorentsen of Wheaton and Paul (Kelli) Lorentsen of Phoenix, eight grandchildren, Matt, Marty, Jack, Addy, Zach, Joe, Sonia, and Erin, one brother, John (Audrey) Varland of Spring Arbor, MI and a brother-in-law, George (Rodey) Nelson of Wheaton.

A visitation was held on Thursday, August 24, from 3 to 9 p.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St. in Wheaton.

A memorial service was held on Friday at 6:30 p.m. at College Church in Wheaton, Washington and Seminary St. in Wheaton.

Interment was held privately at Wheaton Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to Wheaton Christian Grammar School, 530 E. Harrison St., Wheaton, IL 60187 or Neighborhood Christian Clinic, 1929 W. Fillmore St., Building C, Phoenix, AZ 85009.