Kathleen "Kay" Lorentz

Kay, age 100, died on December 24, 2025, at Fairview Care Center, Dodge Center MN, where she resided for the past 2 months.

She was born Kathleen Margaret Carnel on October 15, 1925, in Hastings, MN to Florian R. Carnel and Cecilia (Heinen) Carnel. She married Francis Louis Lorentz on April 24, 1946, in Cannon Falls, MN. Francis died on April 23, 2010, at 87 years of age.

The couple resided in Cannon Falls and later relocated to Byron, raising 8 children.

Kay had a gentle way of loving through small everyday moments of baking rolls, making her famous potato salad and desserts for family.

Additionally, she enjoyed sewing Christmas pajamas and knitting mittens for her grandchildren. She also enjoyed sharing her faith through teaching religious education, decorating the church and assisting in fundraising for fish dinners.

Kay is survived by 7 children; Rick (Linda) Rapid City, SD, Barb Pehler-Williams, Byron, MN, Kevin (Diane) Perham, MN, Maureen (Chris) Helland, Wanamingo, MN, Jennifer (John) Hoehn, Hayward, WI, Kathy Simpson, Kasson, MN, Jeff (Dana) Waterville, MN, Greg Morse, son-in-law, Kasson, MN; sister, Jeanne Brendel, Lakeville, MN, 26 Grandchildren, 47 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandson.

She was preceded in death by her husband Francis and daughter Jeanne Morse.

A Catholic Mass for Kathleen "Kay" Lorentz will be held at 11:00am Tuesday January 6th 2026, at Christ The King Catholic Church in Byron MN, with Fr. John Lasuba officiating. Burial will be in the Byron Cemetery. Friends may call from 4-7pm on Monday January 5, at Christ the King Catholic Church in Byron, MN, or one hour prior to Mass at the Church on Tuesday January 6th.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to the Byron and Kasson Minnesota local food shelves and Christ the King Catholic Church.

"Let fall from Heaven a shower of roses" -St. Therese, The Little Flower

Online condolences are welcome at byronfuneralhome.com