Loren Virgil Stortz

Loren Virgil Stortz, 63, loved the simple things in life and never took anything too seriously. Born to Virgil and Margaret (Halvorson) Stortz on November 27, 1957, he was raised on the family farm near Decorah, Iowa. When he "got shoes", he went to school in Decorah and eventually to Luther College where he would focus his studies in history and religion. Loren later moved to Rochester, Minnesota and was united in marriage to Carol Eiden on November 12, 1988. They made their home outside of Elgin, MN, where he died unexpectedly on April 20, 2021 with his trusty companion Dilly by his side. Loren had a great sense of humor, strong work ethic, and a deep appreciation of history. He always had the right quip to lighten any situation. Loren was a connoisseur of cinema and was well-versed on which actors starred in obscure movies. Loren loved living in the country and enjoyed being outdoors; he definitely did not burn his own garbage. Loren mowed a fine lawn, could fix anything, and was almost too skilled at building a successful fire. He was a creative cook, ketchup's #1 fan, and famous for making the best Krumkake outside of Norway. Loren was a jack of all trades AND a master of all. He was committed to helping others, which included many years of blood/platelet donation for the Mayo Clinic Blood Donor Program. He was proud to make it into the "100 Donations" book, eventually donating 241 units of blood product to this day. Above all, Loren's family, children, and grandchildren were his greatest source of pride in life. Loren is survived by his wife Carol Stortz; children Megan Gluth-Bohan (Peg), Carl Stortz (Heather), Ethan Stortz, Hannah Stortz, and Evan Stortz (Leah); grandchildren Sara, Jolie, Ellinor, and August; twin brother Lowell Stortz (Debra); sisters Diane Stortz and Beverly Nichols (Paul); and his beloved Dilly, "the best dog in the whole world." He was preceded in death by his parents and infant sister Sharon Stortz. A family-centered service will be held for Loren on May 7 at Pax Christi Church in Rochester, MN. He will be interred at Hauge Lutheran Cemetery in Decorah, Iowa. In lieu of donations, please consider becoming a regular donor of blood or blood products. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Stortz family; to share a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com