Lorenz E. Steele, 93 years old of Decatur, Indiana, passed away on Friday, October 4, 2013 in the Adams Memorial Hospital Emergency Room following a sudden illness. He was born on Tuesday, December 2, 1919 in Harrison Township, Van Wert County, Ohio the son of the late Edwin Steele and the late Bertha (Krueckeberg) Steele. He married Irene M. Aumann on July 27, 1947 in St. John Lutheran Church, Bingen. Lorenz was a veteran of World War II, serving with the US Army in the European Theater of operations and being honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant. He was a lifelong member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Decatur where he was past chairman, trustee, member of the church choir, and also the Men's Club. Lorenz was also a member of the American Legion Post #43, the Lutheran Laymen's League, and was a former member of the Union Township Lion's Club. He had a passion for playing cards and he played baseball and horseshoes for many years. Lorenz was a lifelong farmer in Harrison Township, Ohio; retiring in 1982. Surviving are his wife, Irene M. Steele of Decatur; son, Daniel D. (Linda) Steele of Decatur; son, James L. (Scherry) Steele of Decatur; daughter, Carol Steele Seip of Ohio City, Ohio; and sister, Lucille (Marvin) Stoppenhagen of Ossian. He is also survied by nine grandchildren, Erin (Brad) Lenardson; Shelby (Robert) Dalrymple; Amanda (David) Zebulske; Chris (Marah) Steele; Canaan Seip; Zach (Jackie) Steele; Eden Seip; Seth Seip; and Joel Seip and nine great-grandchildren, Laine Lenardson; Alivia Dalrymple; Tess Lenardson; Carter Steele; Cooper Steele; Mayah Steele; Braden Dalrymple; Cali Dalrymple; and Britan Zebulske. Preceding Lorenz in death were four brothers, Alton; Herman; Harry; & Wilbert Steele and a sister, Emma Etzler. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 9, 2013 in the Immanuel Lutheran Church with Pastor David Koeneman officiating. Interment will follow in the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery with Military Graveside Services conducted by the American Legion Post #43 of Decatur. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 p.m. & 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, October 8 in the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur and one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday. Preferred memorials are to Immanuel Lutheran Church or Worship for Shut-Ins.
