Kathryn (Kathy) Lorenson, 86, of Salina, KS, passed away December 1, 2020, after living with Parkinson's Disease for many years. She was born to Richard and Katie (Zwick) Willhaus on November 15, 1934, in Sterling, KS. She graduated from Nickerson High School in 1953 and received her degree in Education from Emporia State University in 1956.
Kathy married Linden (Lindy) Lorenson in 1963 in Salina, KS where they spent the next 45 years together until Lindy died in 2009. She is survived by her daughter Lynette Lorenson of Salina, son Kent Lorenson (Jennifer) of Salina, grandchildren Libby Lorenson, Trey Lorenson, and Abigail Crawford all of Salina, brother William Willhaus (Ida May) of Kansas City, MO, and sister Rose Jennings of Holton, KS, sister-in-laws Marilyn Willhaus of Sterling, Rosie Willhaus of Springfield, MO, and Esther Lorenson of Oakhurst, CA, and brother-in-law Richard Lorenson of Salina. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, brothers Harvey Willhaus and Fredrick Willhaus
Kathy taught third grade for 8 years, including one year in Germany. She loved to travel and spent many years visiting US cities with her husband and camping with her family. Kathy gave tirelessly of her time to community organizations for the benefit of others. She was an integral part Trinity United Methodist Church for 57 years, teaching Sunday School, being president of UMW on multiple occasions, chairing and being a member of numerous church committees. She is a multiple past president of the Family and Community Education Unit in Salina. The Girl Scouts were her most cherished organization, having started as a leader in 1975. During her time as a Girl Scout, she was on numerous committees, a consultant for older Girl Scouts, an adult trainer for the council, chairperson of the Gold Award committee, a member of the executive council committee, and a member of the Board of Directors for the Central Kansas Council. She has received the Plains Award, the Appreciation Pin, the Outstanding Volunteer Award, and the Thanks Badge for her work in Girl Scouts.
Due to the corona virus, a private family graveside service is planned for Monday, December 7, 2020, at 11 a.m. Family and friends are invited to watch the service at the following link: https://www.triumc.org/kathy-lorenson/. Visitation will be Sunday, December 6 from 4 to 8 p.m at Ryan Mortuary.
Memorials can be made Trinity United Methodist Church and Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland.