Loren Richard Ferch

Loren Richard Ferch of Pine City died peacefully at home on Sunday, January 24, 2016, at the age of 88. Loren was born on June 16, 1927 in St. Louis Park, MN, the youngest of 6 children. He went to school in St. Louis Park through his junior year and finished his education in the military. At the age of 17 he entered the Merchant Marines followed by 2 years in the U.S. Army. He married Betty Jane Bender on September 19, 1946. Following his military service in the summer of 1947 they honeymooned in Walker, MN on Lake May. They were married for 63 years before Betty passed away in October of 2009. To their marriage they were blessed with four children: Peggy, Thomas, Loren and Jeanne. Following Loren’s military service he began working for Lumber Stores in St. Louis Park in October of 1947. Loren finished his lumber career with Lampert Yards in 1990 having managed lumber yards in Hopkins, Excelsior, Pine City, Barron, WI and Northfield, MN. Loren built a number of homes over the years in which the family lived and also drew the architectural plans for and helped each of his children build homes. Loren came to faith in Christ after his military service in the U.S. Army and was always active in the local churches they attended wherever they lived. For the past 25 years Loren was involved in the Pine City Evangelical Free Church. Loren had a wide variety of interests including building homes, growing and selling Christmas trees, gardening, fishing and hunting. He also built and finished his own casket this past year! Most of all, Loren enjoyed his family and took a special interest in each of their lives. Loren was a follower of Jesus Christ and had an ever growing faith commitment. He was full of humor having a whole repertoire of jokes and stories (which were often repeated!). Loren was characterized by strength and wisdom, patience and understanding, faithfulness and love. Loren is survived by his son-in-law George Klippenes of Monticello; his children Thomas (Gayle) Ferch of Maplewood, Pastor Loren (Ann) Ferch of Park Rapids, and Jeanne (Lonnie) Johnson, of Pine City; 18 grandchildren and 39 great-grandchildren. Loren is also survived by his very special friend Donna Jacot who has been a wonderful companion for the past five years. Loren is preceded in death by his parents Emil and Martha (Krause) Ferch; five siblings; daughter Peggy Klippenes; and his wife Betty. Pastors Joel Preston and Loren Ferch, will officiate at funeral services for Loren Ferch at 11:00 AM; Saturday (1/30/16) at the Pine City Evangelical Free Church – Lighthouse with visitation being held one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will take place at the Hilltop Cemetery in Pine City. A special thanks to the compassionate staff at First Light, particularly Janet Wilkenson – Kutil (NP) and Dr. Kroschel. Funeral arrangements for Loren Ferch are entrusted to the Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City – Swanson Chapel. www.funeralandcremationservice.com