Obituary: Frederick Christian Lorenzen, 88, Of Chester, Wantagh

WANTAGH, NY — Frederick Christian Lorenzen, 88, of Chester, formerly of Wantagh, died at his home Wednesday, June 24. He was born in the Bronx on April 16, 1932, to the late Jan Jacob Lorenzen and Auguste Elise Hey. Frederick grew up in Bellmore and graduated from Mepham High School. In 1950, he and his father started their own tool and die business, Lorenzen Tool and Die, located in Bellmore. On Sept. 23, 1956, Frederick married Margaret Knubel and they settled in Wantagh. He and his wife moved to Chester eight years ago.

Frederick's hobbies included gardening and growing miniature roses, and he enjoyed camping, baking and ringing handbells. He also played the baritone in several community bands. Frederick was an avid reader and had a vast collection of Antarctica and Robin Hood books.

He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, as well as numerous organizations including the Long Island Rose Society, West Morris Community Band, Shrine Band, Colonial Prospect Lodge in Chester, Wantagh Morton Lodge, Germany Genealogy Club, Kismet Shrine, Model A Car Club, and the Mepham High School Alumni Association.

He is survived by his beloved wife of over 63 years, Margaret Knubel Lorenzen; his loving son, Frederick Christian Lorenzen & wife Patricia and his loving daughter, Margaret Elise Erath and husband Neil; his cherished grandchildren, William Lorenzen, James Erath, Erica Erath, Emma Lorenzen and Thomas Erath.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Bell Memorial Fund C/O Christ Lutheran Church, 3384 Island Road, Wantagh, 11793. The money raised will go towards replacing and refurbishing the church hand bells. Frederick served as the former director of the hand bell choir at Christ Lutheran Church and this was always a passion of his. Any donations would be greatly appreciated.