David Robert Lofgren

David Lofgren of Rush City, died Wednesday July 21, 2010, at his home in Rush City, MN. at the age of 64 years. He was born September 24th 1945 to Robert and Inez (Johnson) Lofgren in Rush City, MN. He attended Rush City Schools where he enjoyed competing in football and track. He graduated in 1963. In 1964, he married Linnea Warner. Their son, Brian was born later that year and daughter, Tracy, followed in 1968. David worked on the family farm until 1967 when he went to work for Indianhead Truck Lines in Roseville, MN. From there he sold insurance for I.D.S., worked in the Chisago County assessor’s office, was city administrator for the City of Rush City, and then in 1979, he and his sister Joanne purchased Lofgren Trucking Service, Inc. from their father Robert. Failing health prompted the sale of the trucking business to his sister in 1986. He then dabbled in used car sales, and continued to be a dispatcher for the trucking service. He was a charter member of the Rush City Jaycees and held all local offices. He also held the office of State Vice President of the Minnesota Jaycees in 1973. He was given an ambassadorship to United States Jaycees in 1980. He was a member of Jasper Masonic Lodge # 164 since 1969, and served as Worshipful Master in 1992. He was a lifelong member of First Lutheran Church of Harris, and served on the church council for many years. When he retired, it gave him the time to pursue one of his great loves, tractor pulling! In 1989 he found and purchased a John Deere 6030, which he nicknamed “The Bull Moose”. He had many modifications made to the tractor, and was able to compete with, and most often beat the “red ones”, which made him very happy! His greatest joy was visiting with his children and grandchildren, sharing their hopes and dreams and accomplishments. Each one was special to him in their own way. David lived with the daily struggle of diabetes since 1963 when he was diagnosed. In 1990 he received a kidney/pancreas transplant. The kidney continued working until his death. David passed away at his home surrounded by his family. With the assistance of his loving wife Linnea and Fairview Lakes HomeCaring and Hospice, he was able to reside in the home he loved until his death. David is preceded in death by his father, Robert Lofgren. He is survived by his mother, Inez Lofgren, wife Linnea, son Brian, all of Rush City, daughter, Tracy (Duane) Rutledge, of Star Prairie, WI. Grandchildren, Christopher and Jeffrey Lofgren, Rebecca, Alissa and Matthew Rutledge and sister Joanne (John) Ploetz of Harris, MN, Brother-in-law Reverend Conrad (Susan) Warner of St Paul, several aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and many beloved friends. Rev. Richard Mork and Rev. Conrad Warner officiated at funeral services: Tuesday (July 27, 2010) 11 a.m. at the First Lutheran Church of Harris. Music was provided by Lois Dahl and a special bluegrass group led by Pastor Connie Warner. A time of visitation and reviewal was scheduled; Monday evening from 4-8 p.m. at the Olson Chapel in Rush City and one hour prior to the service at the church. The interment was in the Oak Grove Cemetery of Harris