Malvin Herman Lorenzen, age 91, of Cortland, passed away on Friday, January 29, 2021. He was born on June 21, 1929 to Herman Lorenzen and Rose Erlich Lorenzen. He grew up in rural Princeton, helping on the family farm, and attended school in Hickman.
Malvin served in the Korean War in the early 1950s. Following his service, he returned to southeast Nebraska, where he began working for Cushman Motors and returned to working on the family farm. He stayed at Cushman Motors, which later became Outboard Marine, until his retirement in 1993. He was a member of the American Legion for over 65 years, where he made life-long friends and volunteered for events such as the annual Thanksgiving dinner.
Malvin met Darlene Casteel in 1955, and they married on January 13, 1956. In the early years of their marriage, they lived in both Lincoln and Cortland, working in Lincoln and continuing to help out on his family’s farm outside of Princeton. Malvin and Darlene eventually settled down in Cortland to raise a family. They have two children, Bonnie, born in 1965 and Calvin, born in 1967.
After retiring from Outboard Marine in 1993, Malvin and Darlene traveled, spent time with family, and enjoyed their home. They particularly enjoyed traveling to Branson, and took several bus tours to Branson to hear some of their favorite musicians. They travelled with Malvin’s sister Lois and her husband Harry, and regularly visited their daughter Bonnie who lived out of state. They always enjoyed holidays and family time with Calvin’s family just outside of Cortland, and enjoyed watching their grandchildren, Austin and Natasha, grow up nearby. When their granddaughter Madeline (Bonnie) was born in 2007, they began making regular trips to spend time with her. In Cortland, Malvin developed life-long friendships, enjoyed a wonderful set of neighbors, and took great pride in his home and yard. He was well-known in Cortland for having a meticulous yard and home! Malvin loved his cars, and was always happy to spend hours puttering about in his garage.
Malvin is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Darlene Lorenzen; children, Bonnie (Staffan) Lorenzen-Peterson, Calvin (Susan) Lorenzen; sister, Lois Schmale; grandchildren, Austin Lorenzen, Natasha Lorenzen, Madeline Lorenzen-Peterson; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Visitation will be Friday, February 12, 2021 at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. A Celebration of life will be 10:00 am Saturday, February 13, 2021. 6800 S 14th St. Lincoln, NE 68512. Go to www.lincolnfh.com. Masks and social distancing is required.
