Richard “Dick” A. Loftness

Obituary

Richard Arlen “Dick” Loftness was born on July 9, 1933, in Willmar, Minnesota, the son of Palmer and Harriet (Lunstrom) Loftness.  Dick was baptized on August 20, 1933, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Bird Island, and confirmed his faith there on June 1, 1947. On August 5, 1956, he became an active member of Swedlanda Lutheran Church, where he served on the Church Council, taught Sunday School, and sang in the choir. Dick  received his education and graduated from the Bird Island Public School with the Class of 1951.

Dick entered active military service in the United States Army on December 9, 1953, and was first stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. In September of 1955, Dick was released from active duty and transferred into the Army Reserves. He received his Honorable Discharge on November 30, 1961.

On September 22, 1956, Dick was united in marriage to Beverly Ann Newcomb at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Brownton, Minnesota. The couple made their home in rural Hector where they raised their three children.  They wintered for many years in Florida.  Dick and Bev shared 61 years of marriage.

Throughout his years, Dick had many adventures.  In his earlier years he helped farm the family farm. His passion for problem solving and his innovative mind lead him to creating and operating Loftness Manufacturing of Hector, providing a solid base company which built truck boxes, beet lifters, and snow blowers, among other things, which has evolved into the current company. Upon retirement and moving to Lake Allie in rural Buffalo Lake, he served as president before taking the management position of the Oakdale Golf Course for many years, proudly helping the course go from 9 to 18 holes for all to enjoy. He was always active in State, County, and numerous community organizations his entire life, including the Hector Chamber of Commerce, Hector Area Arts, Habitat for Humanity, and Mid-Minnesota Development Commission Region 6E. He was always willing to lend a helping hand, a legacy which has been handed down to his family.

In his spare time, Dick loved to spend time with his family and friends. He enjoyed woodworking, card playing, fishing, and golfing. In his earlier years, he performed in waterski shows. Dick was always known to have a pen and paper in hand, solving the problems of the day. 

Dick passed away peacefully on July 5, 2018, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson, Minnesota, at the age of 84 years, 11 months, 26 days.  Blessed be his memory.

Dick is survived by his:

Wife, Beverly Loftness of Buffalo Lake;

Children:  Cyndi Washburn of Hector,
                  Kevin Loftness and his wife Carol of Hector, and
                  Pam Wolling and her husband Rick of Hector;

Grandchildren: Brandon (Nicole) Washburn, Adam (Jenni) Washburn, Tony (Mariah) Loftness, Amber Jo Loftness, Andrew Wolling, Autumn (Jacob) Stueber, Alyssa Wolling;

Great-Grandchildren:  Mckenna, Madison, Brody, Harper, Rhett, Maddie Jo, Kaden, and Jemma;

Brothers and Sisters:  Bruce (Barb) Loftness, Corinne (David) Hable, David (Mary) Loftness, and Louise (Carter) Stenberg; 

Sister-in-law, Cam Loftness;

Special Family Friend, Connie Hess;

nieces, nephews, many other relatives, and friends.

Dick was preceded in death by his Parents, Palmer and Harriet Loftness, and by his Brothers, James Loftness and Larry Loftness.