Service Information
David N. Lofgren, age 69, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, formerly of Bird Island, Minnesota, passed away on Thursday, October 28, 2021, at Carver Ridge Assisted Living in Carver, Minnesota.
Memorial Service will be held on Friday, November 5, 2021, at 1:00 P.M. at Hughes-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hector, Minnesota with interment in the Hector City Cemetery in Hector.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 4, 2021, from 4:00 – 7:00 P.M. and will continue one hour prior to the service, all at the funeral chapel in Hector.
Obituary
David Nels Lofgren was born on November 1, 1951 in Olivia, Minnesota. He was the son of Arnold and Betty (Johnson) Lofgren. David was baptized on April 27, 1952 in East Sveadahl Lutheran Church in St. James, MN, and later confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Hector MN.
In his youth, David worked on his family farm and assisted neighboring farmers, especially during baling and harvesting. He was active in 4-H for over 40 years, starting as a club member and later overseeing the 4-H barn for Poultry and Rabbits at the Renville County Fair. David eventually became a 4-H judge. One of his great memories from his early days in 4-H was leading the Osceola Jack & Jills as pitcher to first place in a county wide softball competition.
In addition to 4-H, David stayed busy with a variety of extracurriculars while a student at Hector High School. He participated in football, track and field, and golf, managed the basketball team, and played tuba in both the concert and marching band. David was a graduate with the Hector High School class of 1971.
After high school, David went to Detroit Lakes Vocational Technical School for Total Energy and received his High Power Boiler’s License. He was a dedicated employee at the Renville County Court House and later at the Renville County Hospital (now Olivia Hospital & Health Care) in Olivia, MN. David’s can-do nature made him an invaluable employee who could fix anything that could possibly be fixed and it was said that it took three people to replace him when he retired. After 35+ years of service, he retired on October 30, 2007 and moved to Hutchinson to be closer to his family.
David was a giving and caring person, always putting others' needs before his own. Over his lifetime, he proudly donated blood and gave 92 pints (equivalent to 111/2 gallons). He also volunteered with hospice, bringing light to those who most needed it. He was that neighbor who could be counted on to lend a helping hand when needed. He brought joy to those around him and he especially enjoyed having his family over in the summer for Olympic style games and traditional holiday dinners.
David had many hobbies including gardening, woodworking, hiking, enjoying nature and collecting unique and interesting pails. He also took great pride in keeping his truck super-clean and polished.
David passed away on Thursday, October 28, 2021, at Carver Ridge Assisted Living in Carver, Minnesota, at the age of 69 years.
Blessed be his memory.
David is survived by his
Sons, Anthony (Emily) Lofgren of Glencoe, MN and LeRoy (Christine) Lofgren of Chaska, MN;
Five Grandchildren Madison Franck, Gavin, Hailey, Dylan, and Rory Lofgren;
Sisters Sally McAdams of Willmar, MN and Faith (Greg) Fitzloff of Leesburg IN;
Nephew, Brady McAdams;
Niece, Kathryn Richards.
David is preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Betty Lofgren and granddaughter, Audrey Lofgren.
Elna says
What a nice photo of your dad. Our hearts are heavy with yours. We feel the loss, I believe Audrey is in her glory showing him around!! Blessed be his memory!
Darlene says
My sympathy to David’s family.
Gregory Gabriel says
I extend my sympathy to the Lofgren family. I have good childhood memories of Dave from my childhood. At one time, the Lofgrens rode the same school bus as the Gabriels, and I remember that Dave talked to me, even though i was several years younger than he. I recall that Dave played softball with the Osceola Jacks and Jills–as I did. I remember Dave as a friendly guy.–Greg Gabriel, Lincoln, NE
Kathleen Brown says
I’m sorry for your family’s loss, I was a classmate of David’s, We were the tallest kids in the class, and were always forced to dance together when the PE teachers were trying to help us learn the rudiments of social skills. He never complained when I stepped on his toes. My first experience of a true gentleman. RIP.
Kathleen Krentz Brown
Deb (Mathison) Otto says
I remember Dave working at Renville County Hospital. He would make those floors shine. Very quiet and kind person with a great smile. I also remember when he took the EMT class.
Jeff Heerdt says
So sorry for your loss. I played football with “Big Dave”. He was a great “Bulldog” as a football player and manager for the Hector basketball team. I remember the school giving an award to Dave for his excellent work as the basketball team manager.
Warren Bolin says
Dave was the manager of the basketball team my first year teaching and coaching at Hector! I can assure everyone that Dave taught me more about the day to day organizational tasks that needed to be done than I could have imagined! He was a kind and warm human being! Bless be his memory!
Dean slagter says
Sorry for your loss. Dave was such a valuable and hard working employee at RCH for so many years.
He could fix anything and quick to get things back in working order. I enjoyed working with him for 25 years. Blessed be his memory.
linda hilgert says
My deepest sympathy to David’s family. I enjoyed working with him at RCH. He could fix or at least try to fix most anything. Blessed be his memory.
Bev (Ahlbrecht) Steberg says
I was so sorry to hear of Dave’s death – he was a friend and neighbor – he was always willing to help anyone who needed it. – and so kind and considerate. My sincere sympathy to his family –
Marj (Novotny) Schroeder says
My sympathy to Dave’s family. He was a very helpful, kind and hardworking man. He was proud of you boys. I grew up as a neighbor, but got to know Dave when working at the hospital. He was such an asset to that place. May he rest in peace.
Michal Ann Haakenson says
I just read about Dave’s death in our local paper. I worked at the old Renville County Hospital as a nurse during some of the years he was there caring for our building and keeping the old boiler running. He was exceptionally dedicated to his job and nobody in that hospital worked harder than he did. He was a genius at fixing things and when ever we had to page him to help with something, he was quick to respond. It was not uncommon for him to stay in the furnace room all night during stormy winter weather just to keep an eye on the old boiler which he always referred to as “she”. May his sons know that they have my sincere sympathy. I respected Dave Lofgren very much. Michal Ann Haakenson
Craig Sorensen says
God rest your soul.
We grew up together. Good memories from growing up in church and school sharing our time as classmates and teammates. Though it’s been a long time since I saw you last, the memories are fresh. You were one of the most genuine men I have ever known.
I fondly remember sitting in the team bus during halftime of our football games trying to get you mad so you would go out on the field and devour your opponent. You were a gentle giant and I respected you very much.
I hope I will join you in heaven one day.
Your friend, brother, and fellow Bulldog,
Craig Sorensen