James Gerhardt Lorenzen, age 81 of Dayton, passed away on Friday, October 31, 2025, at his home. He was born in Chicago, IL, on November 9, 1943, the son of the late Adolf “Abe” and Bernice (Olsen) Lorenzen. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Carol Lorraine (Abramson) Lorenzen.

James earned his Bachelor of Arts degree, was a longtime resident of St. Petersburg, FL, and moved to Dayton in 2019. He was employed as the maintenance director at a long-term care facility, and while in Florida he and his wife were foster parents for numerous children.

He is survived by his three sons, Nate (Kristen) Lorenzen of Dayton, Brandon (Kelly) Lorenzen of Rydal, GA, and Jake Lorenzen of St. Petersburg, FL; his daughter, Erica (Nathan) Snyder of Athens; his 14 grandchildren; his six great-grandchildren; and his two sisters, Jean Lorenzen and Betty Lorenzen, both of Naperville, IL.

A graveside funeral service for James will be held Friday, November 7, 2025, at 12:00 noon at Rhea Memory Gardens in Dayton, where he will be laid to rest next to his wife.

Please share your memories of James on his online guest register at www.vanderwallfh.com.

The family is being cared for by the Vanderwall Funeral Home in Dayton, TN.