Mrs. Norma Jean Lorenzen, 94, of Abingdon, Illinois, passed away peacefully at 1:16 a.m. on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at her home, surrounded by the memories of a life well lived and the love of the family she cherished.
Norma was born on August 30, 1932, in Monmouth, Illinois, the daughter of Ellsworth “Doc” and Florence Irene (Ausmus) Judy. Her mother passed away shortly after her birth, and her father later married Alma, who lovingly raised Norma as her own.
On June 12, 1954, Norma married the love of her life, Stanley Dean Lorenzen, in Monmouth, Illinois. The two met while Norma was volunteering as a Candy Striper at the local hospital, beginning a love story that would lead them to build a home and raise their family together in rural Berwick. Stanley preceded her in death on August 29, 2016, and their years together remained a treasured part of Norma’s life.
Norma graduated from Monmouth High School before beginning a life centered on family and service to others. As a homemaker, she took great pride in caring for her home and family. Her home was a place of warmth and welcome, where everything was kept just so and delicious home-cooked meals brought everyone together around the table.
Her faith was an important part of Norma’s life. She was a devoted member of Abingdon Christian Church, where she sang in the choir and generously volunteered in the church nursery for many years. She also shared her love of music as a member of the “Sweet Adelines.” Whether lifting her voice in song or caring for the little ones in the nursery, Norma found meaningful ways to serve her church and community.
Norma enjoyed hobbies that allowed her to share her talents and spend time with others. She loved to crochet and was always happy to help others learn the craft, passing along her knowledge and patience one stitch at a time. She was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and enjoyed gathering with friends in her card club to play pitch.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Larry (Dianne) Lorenzen of rural Berwick, Illinois; Debra Sue (Craig) Akers of rural Avon, Illinois; Peggy Lorenzen-Redmond of rural Berwick; and Gary (Kristy) Lorenzen of rural Berwick.
She also leaves behind nine grandchildren: Joseph Lorenzen, Kristin Wehrle, Kyle (Kalyn) Akers, Kaitlin Hochgraber, Jorden (Joe) Nolte, Ellery (Bill) Johnson, Sarah Redmond, Kaila (Jesse) Hassinger, and Travis (Elizabeth) Lorenzen; and fourteen great-grandchildren: Jayden, Bowdrie, Georgina, Jolene, Karsyn, Tanner, Kollyns, Isaiah, Johanna, Kane, Jayda, Emberly, Enora, and Theodore. Also surviving is her beloved cat companion, Frankie. Each generation carries forward a part of Norma’s legacy and the love she shared so freely.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Stanley; her parents, Ellsworth “Doc” and Florence Irene Judy; her stepmother, Alma; and her stepbrother, Cletis Foley.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services, Abingdon Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 16, 2026, at Abingdon Christian Church, with Rev. Linda Mowrer officiating. Burial will follow at Meridian Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Abingdon Christian Church or the Knox County Humane Society in Norma’s memory. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.h-p-w.com.
