Loren Lee Baerenwald

Loren Lee Baerenwald was born on October 8, 1941, to George Harold and Elsie Anna Louise (Heitritter) Baerenwald in Hull, IA. He was raised on the Baerenwald Family Farm near Boyden, IA. He was baptized at St. John Lutheran Church on November 2, 1941, and confirmed there on April 3, 1955. He attended St. John Lutheran School in Boyden through the eighth grade. He was baptized at St. John Lutheran Church on November 2, 1941, and confirmed there on April 3, 1955. He then attended Sheldon Public High School and continued his education at Northwestern College in Orange City, IA. After completing his education he worked for his uncle, Oscar Baerenwald and for his father hauling gravel during the summer. On October 21, 1961, he was united in marriage to Sheryl Winter at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Sheldon. After their marriage they lived with Loren’s parents for a time and then moved to their current residence near Jasper, MN in February of 1962. Throughout the years Loren was a farmer and a trucker; he never retired. He always said that life was a vacation. He trucked and shelled corn for Eddie Graves and drove semi for Don Powell. He drove semi for Ocean Pacific and also for Bayliner Marine for 9 years. He also raised several ewes, lambs and cattle. In December of 1991, he bought his own truck and hauled grain and fertilizer for local farmers and businesses with his son, Joel. He farmed through all those years as well, working his land around the Jasper and Pipestone areas. He and his family enjoyed farming and all participated in helping through the years. Loren was diagnosed with LyoMyo Sarcoma on December 23, 2016. Loren passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Monday, May 1, 2017, at the Sanford Luverne Hospice Cottage in Luverne, MN at the age of 75 years, six months, and 23 days.

Loren was a devoted member of Jasper ELC. He loved his faith and participated in church by being an usher, served on the call committee, and helped with other church duties. He enjoyed children and youth groups, helping both at church and also with the Lamb and Wool Program. He enjoyed time with his kids and grandkids with 4-H and coaching the 4-H softball team. Loren and Sheryl square danced with the Hollyhoppers Square Dancers. Loren enjoyed bowling with the Powell Truckline Team. His family knew him as a man who kept a sparkling clean truck and who loved his Massey Harris and Case Tractors. Most of all, Loren loved his grandkids, children, family, and friends. His favorite time of year was Christmas and the Baerenwald Vacation Week. The family has been gathering for family vacations for 16 years at various lakes in Minnesota; which Loren truly loved.

Loren is lovingly remembered by his wife, Sheryl of Jasper; three daughters, Lisa (Curt) Houg of Jasper, Kara (Grant) Duncan of Sherman, SD, and Beth (Francis) Ramm of Sioux Falls, SD; one daughter-in-law, Lana Baerenwald of Jasper; 12 grandchildren, Allison (fianc, Ben Steinwand), Ryan, Adam, Lauren and Kirsten Houg, Samantha and Mitchell Duncan, Brett, Rose and Joshua Baerenwald, and Logan and Elizabeth Ramm. Loren was preceded in death by his son, Joel Baerenwald; his parents, George and Elsie Baerenwald; his brother, Lyle (Linda) Baerenwald; his father- and mother-in-law, Wilson and Erna Winter; and one brother-in-law, Steven Winter.