Lorenz E. Ochs

Lorenz E. Ochs, 92 of Lawrence, KS, passed away on April 6, 2017, beside his loving wife Norma of 69 years. He was born into a large German family with many aunts, uncles, and cousins on Dec. 20, 1924 in Hoisington, KS. He was the youngest child of Jacob and Lena (Krug) Ochs.
Mr. Ochs was drafted into the Army in June of 1943 and served with the 792nd Anti Aircraft Battalion, which served with the 9th Air Force in England, France, Belgium & Germany. He was discharged on Jan. 1, 1946. Lorenz graduated from Hoisington High School in 1947, and attended Bailey Technical School in St. Louis, studying the electrical trade. He moved back to Great Bend and went to work for Western Power in 1949. He retired in 1985 after 35 years of service as Line Foreman.
Lorenz married Norma Ackerman on Dec. 7, 1947 in Eureka, KS.
They raised their family in Great Bend, KS where he was active in Boys Scouts, The American Legion, and the Methodist Church. The family enjoyed summer vacations which usually involved a camping trip, and visiting with family. After retirement, he and Norma moved to Yates Center, KS and traveled the Southwest in an RV, their home away from home. They moved to Lawrence in 1994 and continued to travel the open road, and visit their extended family.
Survivors include his wife Norma of the home, and their children; Mitchell (Jeanette) Ochs of Great Bend, KS, Stephan (Judy) Ochs of McLean, VA, and Jeanette Ochs of Lawrence, KS. Grandchildren include Andrew Ochs, Cliffie (Derrick) Ives, Rebecca (Shawn) Probst, and Philip Ochs. Great-grandchildren include Darrin, Brady, Riley, and Presley Ives.
Funeral services for Mr. Ochs will be at 10:30 am Wednesday, April 12, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, with Rev. Dr. Tom Brady officiating.
The family will receive friends from 10 am to service time. He will lay in state on Tuesday from noon to 8 pm.
Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church or Great Lakes Caring (formerly Grace Hospice) in care of the Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, PO Box 1260, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Online condolences may be sent to www.rumseyyost. com.