STEELEVILLE – Verlin E. Lorenz, 78, of Wentzville, MO, formerly of Steeleville, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, February 4, 2023 at home in Wentzville.

Verlin was born in Farrar, Missouri, on May 21, 1944, the son of Herbert E. and Eugenia L. Burroughs Lorenz. He married Mona J. Deming on June 6, 1964 in Carbondale, Illinois.  Verlin received a BS at Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau in 1970, and his MS at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale in 1974. He taught for 5 years in Carbondale School District #95.  He was Principal of Okawville High School for 2 years. He taught, was Principal and Assistant Superintendent in Steeleville School District #138, where he retired from in 2003. Upon retirement from the Steeleville School District, he then worked at St. Mark's Lutheran School as an Administrator for 5 years. Mr. Lorenz worked in some capacity of education for 49 years.  He was a member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Steeleville, and was active with various church organizations. Verlin was a member of Monroe-Randolph School Board of Trustee for 17 years and was Chairman for several years.

Mr. Lorenz is survived by his wife, Mona Lorenz of Wentzville; children, Julie (Darrel) Durst of Dardenne Prairie, MO, Jay Lorenz of Alpharetta, GA, Kent (Kathy) Lorenz of Lawrenceville, GA, and Kelly (Steve) Shea of Urbandale, IA; 11 grandchildren, Brittany, Lauran, Spencer, Brenden, Camden, Gabe, Lane, Logan, Samantha, Riley and Hayden; 2 great grandchildren, Hazel and Rhys; and sister, Nancy (Bob) Mantz of Jackson, MO.

Mr. Lorenz was preceded in death by his Parents; two brothers; one sister; and one grandson, Ian Michael.

Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, at 1:00 pm, at St. Mark's Lutheran School Gymnasium in Steeleville, with Rev. Mark Harriss officiating.  Burial will follow at Paradise Cemetery, Steeleville.  Visitation will be at St. Mark's Lutheran School Gymnasium on Tuesday from 10:30 am until the hour of service. Memorials contributions can be made to St. Mark's Lutheran Church or Steeleville High School Foundation.