Loren Barnes, Obituary
March 4, 2025
The Hoogland Center for the Arts staff and Board of Trustees were saddened to learn of the passing of our friend Loren Barnes last Friday. Loren was the building manager of the Masonic Temple in Downtown Springfield for years, and stayed on as the Hoogland's Building Supervisor when the transformation into our beloved Arts Center took place.
Loren, along with the original trustees and staff, worked so hard to make the Hoogland Center a jewel that the city could be proud of. He knew every inch of this building, and worked hard to assist all of the groups that performed here. So much was asked of him in those early days, and he was able to make it all happen. We've lost the person who knew all of the secrets about this historic building.
Our sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Loren Barnes 02/28/2025
Loren Irvin Barnes passed away February 28, 2025, at Croixdale Senior Living after a long illness.
Loren was born March 16, 1946, in Springfield, Ill., to Bryce and Eloise Barnes. He graduated in 1964 from Glenwood High School in Chatham, Ill., before completing undergraduate studies at Western Illinois University. Loren and Sheryl Lorimor were high school sweethearts and married on June 2, 1968. Together, they and their children farmed for many years in rural Chatham, Ill., before Loren became Building Supervisor at the Hoogland Center for the Arts in nearby Springfield. Loren and his family moved in 2015 to New Richmond, Wisc., to be near family already in the area. He was active in many community organizations, including driving veterans to the VA hospital and the Illinois High School Association, and “leader of the in-laws” at family reunions. He was a loving husband, father, Papa, uncle, granduncle and friend.
A veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, Loren was an active member of American Legion posts and their Honor Guard in Springfield, Ill., and New Richmond, Wisc. Loren was a lifetime member of the Chatham Masonic Lodge 523 and active in the New Richmond Lodge 195. He similarly held leadership positions within the Scottish Rite Valley of Springfield, Ill. and the Valley of Eau Claire, Wisc. and was recognized with the 33rd Degree in 1993. Loren and family were members of Chatham United Methodist Church and New Richmond United Methodist Church.
Loren is survived by his wife, Sheryl Barnes, of Bayport, Minn., son Richard Barnes of New Richmond, Wisc., and daughter Amy (Clayton Dumcum) Barnes of Stillwater, Minn. Loren is also survived by his sister, Mary Kay (Lee) Huntoon, granddaughters Natalie and Rachel Dumcum, sister-in-law Susan (William) Meltzer, brother-in-law Randall (Cynthia) Lorimor, five nephews, a niece and several grandnieces and grandnephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A celebration of life will be held at American Legion Post 80 in New Richmond, Wisconsin. (Date to be determined) Bramley Funeral Home of Divernon, Illinois, will assist with Loren’s internment at a later date at Camp Butler National Cemetery.
Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.