Betty Lee Lorenz

October 14, 1935 – June 3, 2024

Betty Lee Lorenz passed away Monday, June 3, 2024 at Bethel Home after a brief stay there following an injury.

The daughter of Vernon and Clara Knecht, Betty's journey began in Eau Claire, where she grew up. It was also there where she met the love of her life, Bob. He was traveling through, performing with the Lawrence Duchow Red Raven Orchestra. A month later, they married in a small ceremony before "hitting the road" for two more gigs that day! That was in 1953.

Betty was devoted to her family. She supported her husband, working as a ticket girl at the Capital Theater in Madison, while he went to college and played with the Red Ravens.

In 1956, they followed the orchestra and moved to Oshkosh. Bob continued working on his degree in Oshkosh and his Masters in Madison. Betty began working as a secretary for Oshkosh News, a career she truly enjoyed. When Bob was offered a principalship in Oshkosh they decided it was a good place to raise their children, Renee and Scott.

Over their 70+ years together, Betty and Bob enjoyed traveling throughout the United States on "family vacations" (the movie wasn't far off), and visiting many European countries, Mexico, Hawaii and Canada as musical ambassadors with the Roger Bright Band. They also hosted students from the Netherlands, Argentina, and Thailand, and for a year hosted their AFS daughter, Barbara, from Germany. In later years they enjoyed occasional trips to the casinos in Las Vegas.

Betty loved to dance to her husband's music. She even taught her children how to polka almost before they could walk. Many weekends, she would host "the gang," followers of her husband's music combo after the gig. Her famous lasagna at 1 o'clock in the morning was very popular. She also made the most delicious rosettes every Christmas and 150 of them for her daughter's wedding reception.

Betty loved to bowl. Every Tuesday evening for over 60 years, she got together with the same core league of women, initially at the Eagles Club and then at Shore View Lanes. She garnered many trophies throughout those years. She also enjoyed playing in a dart league.

To her last days, Betty expressed her devotion and love for her family, husband Bob, and their many dear friends over the years.

She is predeceased by her parents, her son Scott, sister, Verona and brothers Chuck and Vern. Betty's memory is honored by her devoted husband Bob, her daughter Renee (Tim) George, grandson Brandon (Katie) Quast, and her great-grandchildren, Olivia, Annie and Max. Her sister, Eva Rineck, along with numerous nieces and nephews also survive her.

Plans for a private memorial will be shared with family and close friends.