Lorene Foerch

With a heart that was fully devoted to her Lord and Savior, Lorene Foerch dedicated her life to living a life of faith each and every day. Although she was never overbearing or boisterous in her beliefs, her quiet whispers of service, compassion for others, and unconditional love toward everyone were a living testament to what a godly woman should be. Lorene fully embraced what it means to be a mother as she not only nurtured her children, but also came alongside them and encouraged them to fulfill the plans that God had in store for them. She will be missed for her colorful stories, her listening ear, and her words of encouragement, but it is Lorene’s gentle touch that will be missed most of all.

Almost a century has passed since our nation struggled with issues such as unsafe working conditions and a lack of child labor laws, but we also had much to celebrate in 1915 such as the production of the one millionth Model T and the first ride in a taxicab that cost only a nickel for a short ride. Amidst this colorful year in America there was great joy for one young couple in Essex Township, Michigan, since they celebrated the birth of a healthy baby girl on November 10th. Lorene was welcomed into the world by her loving parents, Arthur and Kate (Hinman) Fayrweather, and was the oldest of three children in her family including her younger sister, Adelaide, and her brother, Max. She was born and raised on a farm on Stone Road where her father farmed and her mother was a typical farmer’s wife. Lorene attended a one-room schoolhouse during her earliest years and later went on to Rodney B. Wilson High School where she was a member of the, "Writer’s Club". After graduating, Lorene went to work for a local attorney.

Not to be forgotten during Lorene’s years in high school was her introduction to the man who would forever hold the key to her heart. His name was Gail Foerch and he was three years her senior. A romance ensued and after dating for one year, the couple found themselves deeply in love. Lorene became Mrs. Gail Foerch on October 15, 1934, in St. Johns while her sweetheart was home on leave from serving in the Navy. Over the years that followed, Gail was stationed throughout the country, and Lorene traveled with him wherever he was sent. While the early forties enveloped much of the world in the Second World War, Gail was stationed in California. It was there that they welcomed the first four of their five children.

Once he was discharged, the couple returned to Michigan in order to be closer to their family, although Michigan would not have been Lorene’s first choice. Gail purchased a local milk route and Lorene went to work at two local State Farm offices where she remained for more than 20 years. They were also blessed with one more child who completed their family. As mothers go, Lorene’s children would say they had the very best as she fully immersed herself into caring for them in every way. She gave everything to her children and always encouraged their strengths, but was never one to compare them to each other. In doing so, Lorene always made each of her children feel loved in their own unique way. She taught her children to always take care of their things and to be prepared for the unknown, but she also taught them necessary skills as well such as when she taught Ruth how to read a map at a very young age. Lorene equipped her children to be successful in life and was always their biggest advocate.

The Foerch home ran like a well-oiled machine. Lorene was very organized and both she and Gail worked tirelessly to provide. He tilled their whole lawn and garden and planted hundreds of strawberry plants, and Lorene labored in the kitchen, canning and freezing everything. In fact, Lorene was very self-reliant and was able to make due with anything. On one trip to California she changed a tire and even did a quick oil change along the side of the road. Lorene’s children will never forget the time they drove down to Florida and their mother found her way after getting very lost and also got herself out of a tight spot with being stuck in the red Georgia mud. Although she was prim and proper, Lorene knew how to do whatever needed to be done whatever it took, and she was always up for a little fun, too.

In the early 1970s, Lorene began attending the First Congregational Church in Maple Rapids. It gave her great joy to involve herself in many of the ministries there including organizing and leading luncheons and Bible studies and teaching Sunday school as well. Lorene also volunteered at Laurels of Fulton where she loved reading to the residents. Her faith was a cornerstone in her life and although her days were not without times of great trial, she always knew that the Lord would take care of her in whatever way she needed. Lorene also felt so very privileged to pray with her future daughter-in-law when she decided to give her life to the Lord.

Throughout her life, Lorene was a woman of many interests. She could tell a great story and loved to reminisce about the good old days. Lorene kept busy knitting slippers for her grandchildren, and nothing beat her homemade treats. Family continued to play an important role through the years, too, and she cherished her relationship with her sister. Lorene was very close to her mother and father as well and took care of them later in life. The holidays were always a special time in Lorene’s home and their longstanding Christmas Eve tradition was a dinner of hamburgs with homemade buns. After she retired, Lorene treasured the trips she took with Ruth to Beck’s Farm Market almost daily.

When reflecting on the extraordinary woman that Lorene Foerch was, it is easy to see that her love for the Lord laced her every thought, word, and deed. She passed that love on to so many others whether it was her family, the fellow members at church, or those within her community. Lorene never tired of doing what was right and in doing so, provides a legacy of grace, humility, and unconditional love that will live on in those she leaves behind.

Lorene Foerch died on February 21, 2011. Lorene’s family includes her daughters, Ruth (Horace) Howell of Maple Rapids and Mary Ellen "Susie" Withrow of St. Johns; her sons, Bill (Ruth) Foerch of Fowler, Glen “Butch” (Bernie) Foerch of St. Johns and Tom (Diann) Foerch of Fowler; 9 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; and her sister Adelaide Weeks. Lorene was preceded in death by her husband, Gail; brother, Max Fayrweather; and granddaughter, Becky Stevens. There will be a memorial service held at 11:00 am, Saturday, February 26, 2011 at The First Church of God, St. Johns. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution. Services provided by Osgood Funeral Homes.