Norma Jean Lorenc

Norma Jean Lorenc, 85, Peru, passed away on Friday, August 29, 2025. She was born on May 16, 1940, in Chicago, IL to the late Gilbert McGookin and Viola (Huber) Dershai.

Norma was raised in Chicago, upon graduation from High School she married the love of her life Eugene Lorenc (who she met when she was 10 and he was 13) and they went on an adventure of many years in the Air Force. Her husband Eugene’s last base was Bunker Hill AFB. They raised their family in Peru, deciding to stay here when he was done serving as they had made some wonderful friends, and they were all happy here. They did move to Argos, IN for about 23 yrs but always kept in touch with their Peru friends who after all the years had become “family”. Norma and Eugene came back for card games, Trouble games, or just to spend time together with friends. It seemed natural that when Eugene passed, Norma would call Peru her home.

Norma worked at Hanks Thrif-t-Mart for 16yrs, Wabash Valley Bank for 16 yrs, and First Source Bank in Argos, IN.

Norma loved people, and she loved life. She always had a good story to tell. Her grandchildren were wholeheartedly convinced that if she were in a room with 500 people and there was only 1 Chicago person there, she would find them. Chicago was always Norma’s “Sweet Home Chicago” in her heart. Norma at one point would organize a yearly bus tour for the bank people and they went to see Chicago and the Cubs. She was an avid Chicago Cubs Fan and when they finally won the World Series, no one was happier than Norma. Thanks to her grandchildren, she was able to make several trips back to Chicago.

Norma loved her family fiercely, which included her daughters; Janice Sparks, Patricia (Gary) Layer, Son; Jeffrey Lorenc, sisters-in-law; Ginger Tritschler, Barbara Quinn, grandchildren; Courtney Sparks, Tony Patterson(Brittany), Kelli Ritchie (Adam), Tara Barone (Alexandra), Nick Lorenc, Jami Patterson, great grandchildren; Taylor, Lana, Vienna, Ziek, Azalea, oldest and dearest friends; Mary Tully, Marietta Rice, Brenda Carter, Jovona Masters, and the family of Roy and Lil Atkinson. Many nieces, nephews and cousins that have been very dear to Norma.

Heartfelt thanks to Hospice RN, Dawn and CNA Dasha.

Norma was preceded in death by; husband, Eugene, sister; Shirley Stark, brother; Gilbert McGookin, brother-in-law; Jim Lorenc, beloved stepfather; Francis “Sonny” Dershai.

A funeral service honoring the lives of Eugene and Norma, at Mt. Hope Cemetery where Military Rites will be performed, September 23, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life will follow at the Wabash River Commons, 487 Red Oak Drive, Peru.

Norma’s online guestbook is available, and condolences can be shared with the family at www.riverviewfhperu.com.