Harold Kraig Lorenz

Harold K. Lorenz (Bud Lorenz) of Lincoln, NE. age 86.

Passed away peacefully surrounded by family July 3, 2025 after a short hospital stay.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years Judith (Maskell).

His parents were Harold N. & Romona (Young) Lorenz of Marietta, Ohio.

He is survived by his brother Steven A. Lorenz of Plant City, FL

He leaves his children Melissa (Lorenz) Chase & her husband Daniel, Christopher Lorenz & his wife Lisa – all of Massachusetts.  His daughter Diana (Lorenz) Mettscher of Lincoln – his devoted caregiver these last years.  As well as 3 grandchildren: Alexander Lorenz, Mandy Mettscher & Jessica Mettscher.

Born in Morgantown, West Virginia – he was known as ‘Bud’ to family, friends, & colleagues.  A childhood nickname given by his father that stayed with him throughout his life.

He grew up in Ohio, with the family later moving to Adams, MA during his high school years.

He attended Northeastern University in Boston & it was there, during his college years, that he met his wife to be Judy – a nursing student at nearby Children’s Hospital.

He joined the ROTC his freshman year with the idea of becoming a pilot that was left unfulfilled due to strict eyesight requirements.

While studying at NU as part of the school’s 4 year work study ‘Co-op Program’ he took a job in 1957 with Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co in Windsor, VT.  This was the start of what would become a 40 yr. postgraduate career with the company.  In 1961 he graduated with a BS degree in Chemical Engineering.

His work with Goodyear called on the family to relocate frequently with domestic assignments in Windsor, Vt, Madisonville, Ky & New Bedford, Ma.  He also fulfilled posts abroad in Mexico City & Ontario, Canada.  In 1993 Bud & Judy moved one final time for Goodyear to Lincoln, NE where he resided for the last 32 years.  During each of those transfers they made life-long, lasting friendships with people they met.

He officially retired from Goodyear in November 1999 but was asked to come back for an additional 2 years to do contract work in Detroit & Canada.  Career highlights include being named Plant Manager in New Bedford, MA and subsequently holding that same title for 3 plants simultaneously in Ontario, Canada.  He was also awarded several Patents for his work with the company over the years.

It was a family joke that Bud was so devoted to his job that he would take a vacation day instead of a sick day in order to maintain a perfect attendance record for 5 years running.

Looking to keep busy during retirement, he hired on at Cabela’s Outdoor Retailer.

What started as ‘a short term’ part time job ended up lasting for 16 years until late 2018.

While living in Nebraska, highpoints of the calendar year were vacation trips back to Massachusetts for occasions such as the 4^th of July, Christmas or to their favorite spot Ogunquit, ME.

He was a devoted husband, father & grandfather & took great pleasure in activities with his 3 grandchildren.

Pastimes he enjoyed were photography, fishing, skiing, golf & gardening.

And not to be overlooked….a perfectly mixed Manhattan or a smoke on his favorite meerschaum pipe.

Countless times over the years we were privileged to hear people who met him remark ‘What a nice man he is’.

Amongst his papers, a note in his handwriting came to light that read:

‘The older you get, the shorter your list becomes – because the things you want, you can’t buy.’

He lived with strength, courage & dignity – no matter what in life came his way.

He will be dearly missed…

Private burial services will be held at a later date in Massachusetts.

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