John Lohrstorfer, Sr

Lt. John E. Lohrstorfer, Sr., retired, Michigan State Police, Age 89, Of Battle Creek,
John E. Lohrstorfer, Sr. passed away Monday, May 5, 2014 at his home. He was born February 13, 1925 to Nina (Heck) and Milton John Lohrstorfer at home in Clinton Twp., MI. In 1943 he graduated from Mt. Clemens High School. John was a decorated WWII Army veteran who was awarded the Bronze Star of Valor. His 42nd Rainbow Division Liberated the Dachau Concentration Camp in 1945. After the war he entered the 25th Michigan State Police Recruit School and is the last surviving member of their class. He was first assigned to the Blissfield Post and while on duty there he met the late Barbara E. Peterson, RN, at the Bixby Hospital emergency room in Adrian. They were married June 5, 1948 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Blissfield, MI. He was then transferred to Manistee, Jonesville, Centerline and was Post Commander at Warren and Bad Axe before becoming Post Commander in Battle Creek. He was also a member of the Pistol Shooting Team where he achieved the ranking of Sharp Shooter. John was active most of his adult life in the Boy Scouts as troop leader and committee member. He was awarded the Silver Beaver in 1973. He was also a charter member of the Colgrove-Woodruff Camp 22, Sons of the Union Veterans, where he did extensive research on Civil War Graves identification and was Camp Graves Registration Officer. He also was a member of the SAL and past commander of American Legion Post 298. John was a parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church; serving as lector, commentator, altar server, parish council member and in many other capacities. In addition to his wife of 64 years, Barbara, he was also preceded in death by his parents, sister, Elaine Kowalczyk, brothers, Joe and Tom, and daughter-in-law, Paige. John is survived by his children, John (Martha) of South Haven, Charles (Cela) of Nevada, Rick of Vernon Hills, IL, Mary and Mark (Sandy) of Battle Creek, Steve, Joe, David (Debra) and Michael of Austin, TX; 23 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren, as well as his sisters, Agnes (Joe) Bruno and Barbara (Neal) Carter of Florida.
Visitation will be Sunday, May 18, 2014, from 2:00p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 a.m., Monday, May 19, 2014 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with The Very Rev.  Mark J. Vyverman V.F. officiating, assisted by Deacon John Lohrstorfer, Jr. Burial with full military honors will be at Fort Custer National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Boy Scouts of America, the USO or the Michigan State Police Thin Blue Line. John will lie in state from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Monday at St. Joseph Catholic Church. www.henryfuneralhome.org

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