Reuben B. Lorenz

As Reuben B. Lorenz, husband, father, and grandpa, entered into his last days before his passing, he and his family toasted to his life with his famous homemade Cranberry wine.

Reuben, 73, son of the late Bernard and Viola Lorenz, spent his young years in Stonecreek, Ohio. A graduate of Stonecreek High School Class of 1957, he was a star basketball player and was proud to be a Panther.

One of his first jobs was for Springs Asphalt Co. where he worked endless hours and developed a strong work ethic which he was known for throughout his lifetime, a trait which he passed on to his children.

On October 8, 1961, he married Patricia C. Dummermuth, daughter of the late Jacob and Irene Dummermuth. Two months later, he was deployed to Germany where he was a military mechanic. Soon after, Pat joined him and together they enjoyed their first years of marriage along with the birth of their first child, Mindy.

In 1963, they returned stateside and settled in Dover and in 1966, he was hired at Ashland Oil Refinery, Canton, Ohio, as a stationary engineer. He retired in 1995 as Chief Stationary Engineer. Throughout the years, he also worked part-time as a surveyer-helper for George Fiedler and Associates.

Reuben was regarded as a very talented winemaker, a hobby which spanned 45 years. He shared the fruits of his labor with his family and friends and frequently gave his wine away as gifts. His talents also included antique furniture refinishing. He had a knack of returning antiques to their original beauty. He was often approached by others to purchase these pieces, which he always politely declined. He enjoyed gardening and fishing as well. Family fishing trips to Canada and deep-sea fishing trips to Destin, Florida gave Reuben much enjoyment.
In 2002, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Renal Cell Carcinoma, then Acute Leukemia and Chronic Lymphoma. Reuben never wavered in his decision to battle these cancers and has become an inspiration of strength and courage to all who have known him for his will to live.

Reuben is survived by his wife, Pat, of 50 years, daughter, Mindy Bechtel, son Mark (JoAnn) Lorenz, all of Dover, and daughter, Melissa (Brian) Poland, of Poland, Ohio. There are eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, Megan and Mallorie Wilkin, Rikki (Paul) Metcalf, Molly McCabe, and Rian Lorenz, all of Dover, Kaitlin, Jacob, and Emma Poland of Poland. Reuben is also survived by brother Larry (Verla) Lorenz, and sister Carol (Tom) Border, all of Massillon and brothers-in-law, Don (Joyce) Dummermuth and Gene (Sue) Dummermuth, all of Dover. He is preceded in death by sister, Marilyn (Bob) Zahner of Sugarcreek.



Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 22, 2012 at 11:00 am in the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home and Crematory at Dover with Rev. Eric Walch officiating. Interment will be in the Dover Burial Park. Friends can call at the funeral home on Tuesday from 1-3 and 6-8 pm. Those wishing to express their fondest memories of Reuben may do so by visiting the on line obituaries and flowers link on the funeral homes website.

Memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice at 716 Commercial Ave SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.