Madeline “Maddie” Lorentz, age 70, of St. Cloud passed away Thursday, May 21, 2026 at CentraCare Hospital in St. Cloud MN.

A Celebration of Life for Maddie will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at the Lafayette Community Center: 540 7th Street – Lafayette, MN 56054. We invite all who knew and loved her to join us, share stories, and honor her memory.

To leave an online condolence for the family, or to sign the guestbook, please visit: mvfh.org

Maddie is survived by her siblings, Elizabeth “Liz” Buysse of Inver Grove Heights, Denise (Dave) Nelson of Morgan, Diane (Dan) Cochran of Marshall, Dale (Denise) Buysse of Winthrop; step siblings, Linda (Howard) Parks of Brainerd, Marlene Blake of Detroit Lakes; boyfriend, Ray Hoffarth of St. Cloud; special friends, Jessica Hogen, Laticia Brown; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Viola Buysse; step-mom, Agnes Buysse; and siblings, Fred Buysse, Debra “Deb” (Buysse) Finnson, her step brother, Wallace (Wally) Lee, and Larry Wegscheid; and her stepbrother-in-law, Larry Wegscheid.

Madeline “Maddie” Mary (Buysse) Lorentz was born July 25, 1955, to Henry and Viola (Dewanz) Buysse in New Ulm. She grew up in a close-knit family and carried those values of loyalty, generosity, and quiet strength throughout her life. She graduated from Gibbon High School in 1973, then proudly served in the United States Army for three years, during which she was stationed in Missouri. Her time in the service shaped her discipline, resilience, and deep sense of responsibility to others. After her service, she moved to St. Cloud and began her career as a nurse assistant for the St. Cloud VA Hospital.

While working, Maddie graduated from St. Cloud University with a degree in Occupational Proficiency in Computer Programming. She then switched roles at the VA Hospital and worked in technical support with the I.T. Help Desk. In 1989, Maddie was united in marriage to Lee Lorentz. The couple resided in Annandale and Maddie continued to work in St. Cloud. The couple divorced in 2009, yet remained good friends and continued to support and care for one another in the years that followed. Maddie continued working at the VA Hospital until she retired, then began working at various hotels part-time. Maddie met Ray Hoffarth while working at the VA Hospital in 2016, and was blessed with his companionship and steady support for the last decade. In her free time, Maddie enjoyed traveling, playing solitaire and games, puzzles, and volunteering with the Republican Party. Maddie especially enjoyed going on trips with Ray.

Maddie was one of the kindest souls you would ever meet. Those who knew Maddie will remember her for her giving and generous heart. Her unwavering love and support for Jessica Hogan over the past 20 years was a testament to her loyalty and kindness. Maddie’s life was marked by quiet strength, deep compassion, and a heart that gave freely. We gather not only to mourn her passing, but to celebrate the beautiful legacy she leaves behind. Maddie will be dearly missed by those that knew her. Blessed be her memory.

Mvfh.org