Egbert Jakob Lorenz

A selfless and wise man who made friends wherever he went, Egbert Jakob Lorenz, age 75, of Marco Island, Florida and of Powell, Ohio died unexpectedly January 2, in Marco Island. The day prior to his death, he enjoyed watching his beloved Ohio State Buckeyes win in the quarterfinals of the College Football Playoffs, boasting that it was one of the greatest games he ever witnessed.

Known to everyone as “Eggie,” he was born in Obersuhl, Germany in 1949 and immigrated with family to Mansfield, Ohio in 1951, joining a large community of German immigrants.

In 1967, Eggie graduated from St. Peter’s High School in Mansfield, where he met and never left the side of his loving bride Kathleen Ann (Coleman) Lorenz. Eggie was a standout basketball player in high school and attended OSU-Mansfield. Eggie and Kathy married in 1970 in Crestline, Ohio and made their home in Mansfield for decades. In his professional career, Eggie spent many years in working in specialty foodservice distribution sales roles throughout Ohio.

While his demeanor may have appeared stoic, Eggie was known for his quick wit but adored for his kind heart. He took care of everyone and to all his children’s friends, especially the Bennington kids, “Big Eg,” was a second dad, ever the one to offer a favor, advice, or a friendly laugh. He was always eager to volunteer and served as a youth sports coach, teaching numerous kids how to play basketball and soccer. Not shy to share his love for all sports, he was a dedicated Cleveland fan, never missing a chance to cheer on his beloved Cleveland Browns.

In the 2010’s, Eggie and Kathy moved to Powell, to be closer to their three children and nine grandchildren, and began splitting their time in Ohio with Florida, so they could enjoy the sunny winters in Marco Island and their treasured snowbird friends.

Eggie had many hobbies and especially enjoyed playing cards with his friends and competing in poker tournaments. He was a talented cook who loved to host gatherings, bringing people together through his delicious food. Eggie and Kathy watched Jeopardy together nightly and have kept a running score since the 1970’s.

Eggie is survived by his spouse, Kathleen Lorenz of Powell and Marco Island; three children, Brian (Susan) Lorenz, Andrew (Mary) Lorenz, and Shannon (Thomas) Morgan, all of Powell, Ohio; nine grandchildren, Henry, Annaliese, Charlotte and Elisabeth Lorenz; John, Katherine and William Lorenz; and Olivia and Thomas Morgan; two siblings, John (Neva) Lorenz of Columbia City, Indiana; and David (Kimberly) Lorenz of Mansfield; and four sisters-in-law, Maureen Coleman, Mary Jo Gillan, Laurie Coleman and Diane Coleman; and one brother-in-law, Kevin Coleman (Mary). He is also survived by his dear friends at Sea Breeze South in Florida and the Villas at Woodcutter in Ohio.

He was predeceased in death by his parents, John and Maria Lorenz; his mother-in-law, Mary Ann Coleman and father-in-law, Jerome Coleman; and his brothers-in-law, William Coleman and Terry Coleman.

Celebrations of life will be held in Marco Island in March and in Powell in May. Additional information will be posted on the Hodges-Josberger Funeral Home (Marco Island) website in the coming weeks. Online condolences may be expressed on his obituary page at HodgesJosberger.com.

The Lorenzes thank friends and family, near and far, for the outpouring of love and support. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The Ohio State University-Ross Heart Hospital in care of the Heart and Vascular Annual Fund.