ROCKPORT — Ernest William Lorenzen, 87, husband of Rita Cash Lorenzen, died Feb. 13, 2013, at Windward Gardens in Camden. Born in New Rochelle, N.Y., Jan. 9, 1926, he was the son of William and Anna Restmeyer Lorenzen. Following graduation from high school, Ernie was drafted and served in the U.S. Air Force near the end of World War II. Following his discharge, he moved to the Thomaston-Rockland area and went to work for his brother, Hank, who had just opened Hank's Esso on Park Street in Rockland.

In 1961, he married Rita Cash and they made their home in Rockport, where they built a new home in 1966. Ernie's employment included working as a milkman, a laborer at F.M.C. Corporation in Rockland, and delivering mail as an RFD carrier for the Rockport Post Office. After his retirement, he went to work for the Rockport Police Department as parking enforcement officer, until 2008. In 2010, the town selectmen in Rockport dedicated the annual report to Ernie in appreciation for his service to the town. He was also a member of American Legion Post #0030 in Camden.

Ernie had a great passion for gardening. During the summer months, there were always beautiful flowers and fresh vegetables at his home. He also enjoyed cooking in his retirement years.

Ernie is survived by his wife, Rita Lorenzen of Rockport; his daughter, Linda Lorenzen of Rockland; his son, Peter Lorenzen of Portland; two grandchildren, Kristina Oakes and Carson Lyons; two sisters, Margaret Lorenzen and Frieda Caputo both of West Palm Beach, Fla.; a brother, Frederick Lorenzen and his wife, Marie, of New Rochelle, N.Y.; a sister-in-law, Jean Lorenzen of Camden; several cousins, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Hank Lorenzen.

A spring graveside service at Seaview Cemetery in Rockport will be announced. Memorial donations may be made to Camden First Aid Association, P.O. Box 368, Camden, ME 04843.

Condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the Lorenzen family by visiting their book of memories at www.longfuneralhomecamden.com.