Lorene H. Backsmeier

Bloomington - Lorene Backsmeier, 91, of Bloomington, entered her heavenly home on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at Martin Health Center, Bloomington, IL. 

The funeral will be Saturday, November 18, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 3516 White Eagle Drive, Bloomington with Rev. Chad D. Lueck officiating. Visitation will be prior to the funeral from 9:00-11:00 a.m.  Kibler Brady Ruestman Memorial Home is in charge of arrangements.  

Graveside services will be immediately following the funeral service at Park Hill Cemetery, Bloomington. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Bloomington, IL; Trinity Lutheran School, Bloomington, IL; St. Andrews Lutheran School, Park Ridge, IL; Trinity Lutheran School, Tinley Park, IL; or Immanuel Lutheran School, Crystal Lake, IL; or charity of donor’s choice.

Lorene Hilde Paula Maurer was born on May 5, 1932, in Cowling, IL, and baptized May 22, 1932. She was the youngest of six children born to John and Edna (Lehman) Maurer. Lorene was strengthened in her faith at her confirmation in 1946, choosing 1 Timothy 6:12 as her confirmation verse: “Fight the good fight of the faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”

She attended Centralia Township High School, graduating in 1950. She met her husband, Fred, in Centralia, after attending the same high school.  On Aug. 22, 1954, Fred took Lorene as his loving bride. 

In her early years, Lorene worked at banks in Centralia, IL and Sacramento, CA., and was employed by Montgomery Wards in Bloomington, IL.  Lorene spent over 20 years at Illinois State University, first in the Cashier’s Office, and then in International Studies where she was an integral part in helping many students have a successful study abroad experience.

A longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Bloomington, Lorene, along with her husband, Fred, were among a small group who helped to plant and sustain Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, also of Bloomington.  Lorene loved her family and her Lord.  Those who knew her, knew she was not afraid to talk about her Savior, Jesus Christ, and she would share her daily devotion with anyone.  

Lorene is lovingly remembered and survived by her daughter, Susan (Gary) Kloess, Elk Grove Village; and son, Rodney (Patricia) Backsmeier, Bloomington. She was the proud grandmother of six grandchildren, Kristin (Tim) O’Connor, Katrina Kloess, Katie Kloess, Adam (Jodie) Backsmeier, Benjamin (Jennifer) Backsmeier and Mark (Kate) Backsmeier. Lorene’s heart also knew the joy of seven great grandchildren: Luke, Matthew, Jordan, Joshua, Jacqueline, Grace and Jack.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred, and granddaughter, Katie Kloess.  Her parents and siblings also preceded her in death. 

We would like to thank the compassionate and caring staff at Martin Health Center, as well as the staff of OSF Hospice.  Your loving kindness to Lorene and her family were very much appreciated.