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JOHN GEORGE LORBER

1941 - 2021

JOHN GEORGE LORBER obituary, 1941-2021, Colorado Springs, CO

BORN

1941

DIED

2021

JOHN LORBER Obituary

Lorber
RETIRED AIR FORCE GENERAL JOHN GEORGE LORBER
December 25, 1941 March 7, 2021
Retired Air Force General John George Lorber, died at home with his loving family by his side on March 7, 2021 at the age of 79, and is remembered as a great family man, fighter pilot, commander, and caring friend.
General Lorber was born on December 25, 1941 in Waverly, Iowa to George and Wilma Lorber. He entered the Air Force in 1964 after graduating from the United States Air Force Academy. His distinguished 33-year Air Force career included flying as a fast-moving, forward air controller in Vietnam and commanding the 79th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Royal Air Force Station Upper Heyford, England; the 432nd Tactical Fighter Wing at Misawa Air Force Base, Japan; and Pacific Air Forces at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. General Lorber was a command pilot with over 5,000 flying hours.
General Lorber is survived by his wife Susan; daughter Amber Foth and her husband Scott; son Derek; son Adam and wife Mindy; brother Mike and wife Robin; and six grandchildren, Tanner, Erin, Quinn, Riley, Liam and Aidan. He was preceded in death by his parents George and Wilma Lorber, brother Jim, and son Joshua.
Funeral services are pending. The Lorber family would like to thank all their friends for their loving support and kindness. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association at https://www.alz.org.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette on Mar. 21, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for JOHN LORBER

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Ros and Dan Phillips

September 24, 2024

It is hard to imagine a world without the partnership of John and Susan Lorber. We remember them as true friends and a role model of a perfect partnership. John was a 4 star general but remained the humble man from Iowa. John was fortunate to find that magnificent Aussie lady in Susan! They were better together as a married couple that certainly brightened our lives. We miss you dearly.

Robert Matsumoto, former Misawa CE Squadron Deputy

April 10, 2024

I am sad to learn of General Lorber's passing. I first served under him at Misawa Air Base Japan where as the Wing Commander he would stop and talk to any group of airmen that was gathered. He also had an amazing eye for design as an example he would direct contractors at the HQ PACAF building on where to place trees and objects in the Court Yard of Heroes. I am blessed to have known such a great leader and person.

Kerry Smith, Tallahassee, FL.

March 22, 2024

Served with then capt lorber at Laredo AFB 67-69 and played on the base flag football team he coached. Very nice man and it was an honor to know him. I bet he is still performing touch and go landings in heaven.

Gregg Thibodeau

December 5, 2023

I worked for General Lorber Years ago in Misawa Japan. He was a big influence on me as a young Airmen. I learned a lot about taking care of your people from him. He led by example!! To his family i am so sorry for your loss, he was a GREAT leader! I ran into him at The NCO academy at Petersen AFB 2006. He was giving a speech to the class. As i was on my way out the door he saw my Name tag and remembered me from our time at Misawa. I had such an awesome chat with him. I now teach leadership for a technical school and use a few of his examples in my classes. I think of him often. Blessing to his family!!

Jason Hamilton

July 26, 2023

My heartfelt condolences on the passing of General Lorber. I lost my father recently and I was deeply saddened to hear the news about his commander and friend. He was undeniably a great man, beloved by his family. As a role model, he inspired not only his children but also their friends, including myself. I had the privilege of being best friends with his son Adam during our teenage years, and through that bond, I witnessed firsthand the profound influence and love General Lorber shared with those around him. May the cherished memories of him, and the friendship we once shared, bring solace and strength during this time of mourning. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire Lorber family

Steve Evans

September 8, 2022

Mrs Lorber, The General was a leader with a sense of humor. He brought out the best in people and I remember that from Misawa and Yokota.
CMSGT Steve Evans

Roxanne Boger

June 17, 2022

My sincere condolences to the Lorber Family.

CMSgt Alex Reyna, Retired

December 22, 2021

Miss Susan and Lorber Family ,

My wife, Sally and I offer our sincere condolences as we recently found out about the passing of General Lorber. I was honored to have served under his leadership on the HQ PACAF staff & served as his coin holder at his Order of the Sword award ceremony. Never was a Leader most deserving of award as General Lorber. He truly cared for his enlisted troops. I would go through a brick wall for General Lorber as he touched me with his leadership and most of all his kindness. This special mix of leadership qualities is rare but its what made him a leader among leaders. He left his hand print on my heart and he made me a better human being. I´m so thankful to God that I was given the honor to serve under one of our great Air Force heroes. We are so sorry for your loss. We pray God continues to Bless you with the loving memories and His Love. You are in our heart and prayers.

God Bless you all.

Alexander M. Reyna, Jr., CMSgt, USAF, Retired

Bob Dean

December 11, 2021

Dear Susan, you may not remember me, but John and I worked together at Boeing, Seal Beach. After you left for CS I visited you and John at you home. I just now learned of his death. For me John was an exemplary American and leader; I am proud to have been close to him for a short time. I´m very sorry for your loss. (I do remember he scored the first touchdown for the Academy!) Warm regards, Bob Dean

John Estes

November 12, 2021

Susan, not sure you will get this message. I had the upmost respect for your husband. He was a great friend and mentor. My only regret is not being able to spend more time with both of you. I pray that you will get this. He was loved by so many people as both a boss and friend.

CMSgt Bill Williams

October 23, 2021

Mrs Lorber, I am so deeply sadden to hear of the General's death this year. I also just learned of Josh's death. Debbie and I send our deepest sympathy to you and your family. CMSgt Bill Williams, USAF Retired

LtCol Ken Zitz USMC Ret

September 26, 2021

My deepest sympathy to the Lorber family on the passing of my good friend and buddy when we were both stationed together at the US Forces Japan and the 5th Air Force. We had many great times together at Yokota AB and when we were TDY together. May his soul Rest In Peace and will always cherish our time serving together. Semper Fi. Lobo. Koza out.

andrea heitzman

June 18, 2021

We are so sorry to hear about John's passing. I remember Susan and John when we were in Misawa, Japan. Norm was principal of Edgren High School.
Norm loved to fly and watch jets. John arranged Norm to sit in a F16 or 18. This made Norm' s birthday special.
Susan is such a sweet caring person. You are in my thoughts sweetie.

Ray, Candice and Jeremy Merkle

June 16, 2021

Susan and family. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results

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