Lorin Dressel

Lorin Gene Dressel, son of Herman and Vonna nee Weaver Dressel was born in Summerfield, IL on April 27, 1931. He was baptized Nov. 13, 1931, at the O’Fallon, IL United Church of Christ and confirmed August 4, 1957, at Trinity Lutheran, East St. Louis, IL. He received his education in the Lebanon, IL public school system and graduated from its High School in 1949.

 In January 1952 Lorin was inducted into the U.S. Army and served in Japan until his honorable discharge as a Signal Corp Corporal in December 1953 following the close of the Korean Conflict. Upon return to civilian life Lorin opened a business on Gravois Avenue and built and serviced data processing equipment. Then , from 1982-1993 he and Carol had a business (Deco Enterprise) where they sold replacement parts for older portable electric tools originally made by McGraw Edison. In later years Lorin, as carpenter and technician, volunteered with construction or enlargement of existing, or newly founded congregations, as well as updates at Concordia Seminary – St. Louis as a member of the LCMS Laborers For Christ. He was able to join that agency in 1993 upon his retirement then at the age of 62 years.

On June 8, 1957, he married Carol Jean nee Hensler with whom he enjoyed 67 years in the nuptial estate. She survives together with their children: Bryan and David (Cheryl) Dressel and grandson Kurtis David Dressel, as well as his sister-in-law Sharon Dressel, alongside several cousins, nephews, nieces and other relatives and longtime friends.

He was preceded in death by his son Michael Dressel (in 2011) as well as his sister Gloria Dawn Bachman and his brothers Delmar Birdette “Bird” Dressel, Vito Theodore “Ted” Dressel, and Denver King Dressel.

 Lorin and his family joined Peace Lutheran in 2005, having transferred from Immanuel Lutheran – Barnhart, MO. Since that time, besides serving as an usher he was a member on Peace’s Property Management Committee helping to wire LED lighting in the Sanctuary and installing Peace’s East door electronic entrance system. Personally, he also worked with Mobility Worldwide making handles for vehicles used by polio victims and other handicap persons who need hand dexterity rather than foot pedals to mobilize their personal travel vehicles

 Relatively good health was experienced by Lorin until last May when diagnosed with cancer. He then underwent surgery and experienced consequently good recovery. That continued until Sunday, November 24, when severe discomfort motivated admission to Missouri Baptist Medical Center. Two days after admission he underwent intestinal surgery from which he did not recover. He then passed at 8:00 p.m. Thursday, November 28, 2024. He attained the age of 93 years, 7 months and 1 day.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to honor Mr. Lorin Dressel can be made to Mobilty Worldwide Services, 4825 E. Meyer Industrial Dr., Columbia, MO 65021.