In Memory of Eric Paul (Rick) Lorenz

Obituary

Eric Paul (Rick) Lorenz, 78, of Utica, NY, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, April 10, 2024.

He was born on October 14, 1945, in Utica to the late William and Gertrude (Gawehn) Lorenz. Eric graduated from JR Hughes School 1961 and Utica Free Academy 1965, and went on to study printing in Nashville, TN. He proudly served in the United States Army, the Vietnam War as part of the 1st Calvary Division A, as a combat infantryman from 1969 to 1971. Rick traveled to many Army reunions throughout the years. Later, Eric worked at Oneida Containers which became Timbar, as a production assistant specializing in corrugated cardboard retiring in 2009.

He was of Lutheran faith. A proud German American, Eric was an active member of the Utica Maennerchor, as part of the chorus and working the Bavarian Festival annually. Rick was awarded the status of Honorary Life Member in 1999, and Volunteer of the Year in 2010. Also, an honorary life member of the German American Society of CNY, a member of the American Legion Whitestown Post 1113, VFW Schuyler Post 6429, The Utica Moose Lodge and many other fraternal organizations. Rick also loved the Drum corps and served as a member of the Utica Executives.

Rick enjoyed many German Festivals and Saengerbund along the east coast traveling with his group of friends to sing and dance to the music he loved so well. He created quite a collection of German Choir tapes and CD’s through his travels. He was a member of the Utica Maennerchor bocce and shuffle board leagues. Known for his creativity, he built the best Fasching costumes, often winning first place for the annual event.

While he had many friends near and far these special people enriched his life daily - Elfie Goedeker, Shirley Adams, Sean Scott, Heidi and Gerry Pietsch, Gracie Schell and Karl Wuerslin, Leo and Judy Schwenzfeier, Sally Frienz and Pat Ricklefs.

He is predeceased by his parents and brother Robert W. Lorenz. His paternal grandparents, William and Anna Lorenz and maternal grandparents Franz and Mathilda Gawehn, Uncle Paul Gawehn, first cousin Amandus Fuchs and many friends and extended family.

He is survived by his niece, Karen (Lorenz) Kennedy and her husband, John of Clay, NY; nephew Kurt W. Lorenz of San Antonio, TX. Great nieces and nephew, Katherine Kennedy, John Matthew Kennedy, Margaret Kennedy. First cousins, Kurt (Sigrid) Fuchs and Francis Fuchs, Mary Jane Fuchs countless friends and extended family.

A special thanks to Scott Melendf and Leslie Lane at the Syracuse VA for the excellent care they provided to a special man.

The funeral will be on Sunday, April 21, at 4:00 pm at Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, 13 Oxford Rd., New Hartford. Interment will be in Forest Hill Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Calling hours will be on Sunday from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm prior to the funeral.

Please consider the Utica Maennerchor, PO Box 441 Marcy, NY 13403, DAV (Disabled American Veterans) 800 Irving Ave Syracuse, NY 13210 or Vietnam Veterans of America or a charity of your choice in memory of Eric.

For online expressions of sympathy go to fwefh.com.