Inez A. Lofgren

Inez A. Johnson Lofgren was born December 14, 1922 to Alfred and Gjerda Johnson at their Rush Point home – the youngest sister of Linnea, Evelyn, and Margaret and the older sister of Walter. She passed away October 21, 2010 at Grace Pointe Crossing Gables East in Cambridge at the age of 87. Inez was baptized and confirmed at Calvary Lutheran Church in Rush Point. Her first 8 school years were at the District 24 School and 9th year at Rush City High School. She worked at the Rush City Creamery wrapping butter which was all done by hand at that time. Soon she found the love of her life – Robert Lofgren - at a Luther League skating party at the pond behind her home. They were married August 19, 1944 at Calvary Lutheran Church amidst a thunderstorm that took away the power during the ceremony! Inez & Robert purchased the Charlie Wetzel farm southeast of Rush City in Rusheba Township and made their life there farming and developing Lofgren Trucking. Inez was well known for her exceptional baking skills and tireless work in keeping a clean and orderly house and supporting the farming and trucking operations. They had a son, David and daughter, Joanne and they all worked together helping with the farming and the trucking business. Inez spent many years preparing food for Robert’s numerous hunting trips and cleaned everything upon their return. She worked silently and tirelessly supporting her family’s activities. When Robert passed away in 1996, Inez spent some time on the farm before selling it to her grandson, Brian Lofgren, and then moved into an apartment in Rush City. It was the only time she had an attached garage and could walk from the garage into her apartment without going outside! After 12 years in her apartment her failing health took her to a beautiful assisted living apartment at The Villages of North Branch. However, continued falls and hospital stays resulted in long term care at Grace Pointe Crossing Gables East in Cambridge where she received care in her last months. Inez was a long time member of First Lutheran Church in Harris and was active there in many ways often involving her good cooking and baking skills. Inez was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Gjerda Johnson, her husband, Robert Lofgren, her son, David Lofgren, and her brother Walter Johnson. She is survived by sisters Linnea Erickson, Cambridge; Evelyn Kanberg, Bothell, Washington; Margaret Johnson, Stillwater; daughter, Joanne Lofgren Ploetz (John), Harris, Daughter-In-Law, Linnea Lofgren, Rush City, Sisters-In-Law Doris Lofgren, Rush City, MN, Marion Kelsey, Roseville, MN, Sharon Johnson, Coon Rapids, MN; grandchildren, Brian Lofgren, Rush City; Tracy Rutledge (Duane), Star Prairie, WI; Corey Ploetz (Michelle), Henderson, Nevada; Christina Hughes, (Ken), Rochester, Indiana; Craig Ploetz (Rachel), Hermantown, MN;great-grandchildren: Christopher and Jeff Lofgren, Rebecca, Alissa, and Matthew Rutledge; Scott, Catherine, Blake and Emily Hughes; Lindsey and Zachary Ploetz; and Garrett and Grant Ploetz; many nieces, nephews, and a host of friends. She will be remembered fondly by all. Revs. Richard Mork, Conrad Warner and Intern Pastor Valorie Putt will officiate at funeral services for Inez Lofgren (Mrs. Robert Lofgren); Tuesday 11 a.m. at the First Lutheran Church of Harris. A time of visitation and reviewal is scheduled for one hour prior to the funeral at the church on Tuesday and from 4-7 p.m. Monday evening at the Olson Funeral Chapel in Rush City. The interment will be in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Harris. In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to First Lutheran Church of Harris.