Kathryn Lorz

Kathryn June Mason Lorz

1945 - 2018

Anyone who knew Kathryn knew her deep love for her family and friends. Kathryn was always planning some way to gather loved ones together and to help people. She was a singer, pianist, wife, mom, grandmother and a true friend. She and her devoted husband Mike celebrated their golden wedding anniversary this past December surrounded by lifelong friends and family, which brought her deep joy. Husband Mike and children Debbie, Beth, Dan and Matt, and son-in-law Patrick were with her holding her hands when she passed. Kathryn was a proud graduate of OSU’s School of Journalism, earning her Master’s degree there. She was an educator, journalist and communications professional in a varied career. She wrote for United Press International after graduation, and then taught first grade and high school English and K-12 music while Mike was stationed at Fort Knox. Kathryn taught journalism at Otterbein and at Ohio State. She later worked for the Division of Litter Prevention and Recycling—her children remember hauling recycling to the south side of Columbus long before anyone had even dreamed of curbside pickup. Kathryn was President of Lorz Communications, Inc., a communications firm founded by husband Mike. She was particularly proud of their work to promote special needs adoption. Kathryn was active with Women in Communications, Inc., serving as President in 1982, and receiving its Headliner Award for Achievement and Service in 2002. Kathryn delighted in her garden, and loved family gatherings. She organized carols, talent-shows and sing-alongs for holidays, and she found ways to bring joy to many people. She enjoyed helping organize her high school class reunions for the South High Bulldogs class of 1963. She also enjoyed playing piano at area nursing homes for several years as another way to spread joy. Kathryn was a wonderful mother.

She is survived by her husband, Mike Lorz, her children: Debbie (Jim) Phillips, Beth (Patrick) Long, Matt and Dan Lorz and grandchildren: Jeremiah and Pauline Phillips, Lauren and Trevor Long, and her brother Charles (Faye) Mason, niece Stefi, and special friends JoAnn Poczik, Carole Schulz McConnell and Sharon Frank Harmon.

She was preceded in death by her parents Paul and Mary (Graumlich) Mason. She leaves behind many dear friends and family. We will miss her, but we feel blessed and lucky to have had the great gift of her presence in our lives.

Family will receive friends Sunday, July 15, 2018 from 12 noon to 4 p.m. at GRAUMLICH FUNERAL HOME, 1351 S. High Street. Funeral service Monday, July 16, 2018 at 10:30 a.m., Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 80 E. Markison Avenue, Columbus, OH 43207, Pastor Edward Engelbrecht officiating. Interment to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. Those who wish may direct contributions in memory of Kathryn to Emmanuel Lutheran Church (www.elclifeorg) or to Rural Action (www.ruralaction.org). To sign and view Kathryn's online guest book please visit www.graumlichfuneralhome.com