LeWayne “Wayne” Schorzman

LeWayne “Wayne” Schorzman passed into the next life at his home in Idaho Falls, Idaho, with his loving wife by his side, on September 23, 2023. He was born October 2, 1934, in Rupert, Idaho to Solomon Fredrick and Florence Hartman Schorzman.

Though Wayne’s mother died when his was 10 years old and he was orphaned at 15 when his father died, he excelled in life as a family man, in his career, and with his hobbies and interests. He worked hard and took advantage of opportunities that came his way. He often acknowledged God’s hand and blessings in his life. One of those blessings was the Marvin and Kate Looslie family that took him in as one of their own in his teenage years and provided him with a stable family life.

Wayne married Gloria Sperry and later divorced. From this marriage, he was blessed with two daughters: Brenda Lee and Cynthia Rae.

In 1968, Wayne met his eternal companion, Lorraine Christensen Hess, and they were married on June 4, 1970. With a desire to have a close, secure family, he legally adopted her three children, Christine, Cynthia, and Sherman Reed. Wayne and Lorraine were blessed with two more children, Larry Wayne and Kandi. Wayne did a great job fathering and mentoring his blended family, often engaging with them in recreational activities, going on vacations, and supporting them in their interests.

Wayne worked several blue-collar jobs before being hired by Argonne National Laboratory in 1961. By going to night school for years and being awarded a scholarship for two years of college, he progressed from security guard to Nuclear Fuel Manager and retired in 1995.

As in family life and work, Wayne rose to the top in his avocations. He qualified nationally as a Distinguished Pistol Shot in 1971, a year after winning the Utah State Open Pistol crown. About the same period, Wayne was honored as one of the President’s Hundred for being one of the nation’s top 50 riflemen. A half-decade later, Wayne won the Idaho Falls City Seniors’ Golf Title twice. In horseshoes, Wayne and a partner won the Idaho Championship in 1995, also competing that year in what was billed as the World Championships in Spearfish, South Dakota.

Wayne joined the Idaho National Guard in 1951 at 17 years old as a way to support himself until he graduated high school. He continued in his Guard and Reserve membership and training for 35 years, retiring as a Master Sargent

Wayne was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served faithfully in various callings. He credited the principles he learned from his membership and service in the church for much of the success and happiness in his life.

Wayne is survived by his wife Lorraine; his children: Brenda (Brad) Holder, Cindy (John) Luker, Christine (Danny) Pottorff, Cindy (Kirk) Gough, Sherman (Laura) Schorzman, Larry (Tiffany) Schorzman, and Kandi (Kurt) Kidder; 24 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Gladys, brother Ted, foster brother Larry, and grandson Parker.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, September 29, 2023, at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First Street, Idaho Falls. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the funeral service. Interment will be in the Basalt Cemetery in Basalt, Idaho. Condolences may be sent online at www.coltrinmortuary.com.