Mary Lohrentz

Mary Joan Van Natta Lohrentz, 81, of Madison, WI, passed away on March 19, 2025 after many long illnesses.

Mary was born on March 4, 1944 at West Suburban Hospital in Oak Park, Illinois to Clinton Alan Van Natta and Caroline Matilda (Peterson) Van Natta. Mary attended schools in Oak Park, graduating from Oak Park-River Forest High School in 1961. She attended Michigan State University until her marriage to John M. Lohrentz (Jack) at Christ Lutheran Church in Oak Park, IL, on October 19, 1963. After marrying, Jack and Mary lived in Appleton, Madison, and Eau Claire, WI before moving back to Madison in 1981.

Mary was a loving wife, married to Jack for 52 years, loving mother to three children, and an enthusiastic grandmother to five grandchildren. Much of her time was spent planning trips and get-togethers for her family.

She also owned a small antique business, Old Wooden Treasures for more than 30 years, refinishing antique furniture.

Mary had many passions, the first was her faith in God and her membership in Midvale Community Lutheran Church where she sang in choir for over 20 years.

Her other passions included attending musical theater and the Madison Symphony Orchestra, listening to acapella and Doo-Wop music, traveling around the U.S. and Europe and collecting many antiques. She was a fan of Masterpiece theater and historical dramas including Poldark and Outlander. She also played Bridge regularly from her teens until her passing.

She is survived by her daughter, Kristin M. Lohrentz, her sons, John D. Lohrentz and Eric W. Lohrentz, daughter-in-law Misty M. (Lange) Lohrentz, grandchildren Margaret (Maggie) M. Riordan, Gerard P. Riordan, Caroline B. Riordan, Hayden T. Lohrentz, and Everett V. Lohrentz. She was preceded in death by her husband Jack Lohrentz, her parents, Caroline and Clinton Van Natta, her sister, Lynn Van Natta Oliverio, and her niece, Victoria Oliverio.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00pm at Midvale Community Lutheran Church, 4329 Tokay Blvd., Madison, on April 7, with a visitation prior to the service, beginning at 12:30pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Midvale Community Lutheran Church, or to Lutheran Counseling and Family Services, 3800 N Mayfair Rd, Wauwatosa, WI 53222.

Mary lived a full life and spoke often of the blessings she received and was very thankful for all of the people in her life. She will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.