James Lenhart Laurenz Merrill, Michigan Passed away Friday, March 23, 2018, at the Cartwright Hospice Residence at the age of 80 years. He was born September 26, 1937 at the family farm in Richland Township to the late Lenhart and Gladys (Rohn) Laurenz. He served with the U. S. Marine Corps. He married Helen Haven July 13, 1957 and she survives him. Jim owned and operated his own farm which continues to grow today. He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Wheeler, where he served on the Board of Elders. He was an avid outdoorsman and a lifetime member of the NRA. He particularly enjoyed bow hunting. Surviving besides his wife are two daughters and one son and their spouses, Jamie and Anthony Allen, Wheeler; Dawn and Joel Johnson, Clare; Gary and Karen Laurenz, Midland; eight grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; one brother, Gerald (Carolyn) Laurenz; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two sisters, Marie Walter and Cheryl Foster. Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 28, 2018 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Wheeler. Rev. Gary Bender will officiate with burial in Ridgelawn Cemetery. Friends may visit with family at the W. L. Case and Company Funeral Chapel, 125 E. Saginaw in Merrill, from 3:00 - 8:00 p.m. Tuesday and at the church on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider Immanuel Lutheran Church or the Cartwright Hospice Residence.

Funeral Home:
W. L. Case and Company
125 East Saginaw Street
Merrill, MI
United States 48637