Carl August Lofgren was born of February 13, 1918, to August and Esther (Johnson) Lofgren in the home, on the family farm where he would eventually live his entire life until early 2006, when he went to stay at the Golden Living Center. Carl was born the third of four children. He completed 8th grade in country school and started high school, but decided he'd rather farm with his dad. An unfortunate accident occurred when Carl was 14 years old. He and his father were picking butternuts, when his father fell from the tree fracturing his back. His dad died before that Christmas, leaving him, the oldest boy, his younger brother and two older sisters, who were in high school, to survive, as those were the years of the depression. That was the end of his childhood.

In 1938, Carl met the love of his life, Doris, at the County Fair in Rush City. They married on December 6, 1941, in Rush City at Doris' home which is now Rush City Auto Sales. Together they had four children: Harland, Ardyce, Janet, and Marilyn. Together they recently celebrated 65 year of marriage.

Carl, with Doris by his side, took over the farm and the home his parents had built in 1913. Carl was extremely ambitious, almost to a fault, and therefore very successful, but he would never think to say that. On their farm they had dairy cattle, pigs, and chickens. Their social life consisted mostly of family gatherings, the First Lutheran Church of Harris, and 4-H. For several years Carl and a partner owned the thrashing machine and silo filling equipment for the whole neighborhood. Carl enjoyed deer hunting, and he had a gift for telling the events correctly and so interestingly. He always was a "great shot" his brother, Robert, had said. Few knew that Carl could play the harmonica quite well, and we loved it when he played.

Throughout his life, Carl was always noticed for his big hands. Even into his 80s. He and Doris would be out in the hay field together, and he could handle those bales even though he could not stand very straight. His family and friends knew that his heart was a big as his hands. The name Carl means "strong and manly" which truly was a perfect description of Carl. Carl's family knew their father and husband knew his maker and trusted Him, because he told them so.

Carl A. Lofgren, age 89, passed away in the early evening on Friday, March 9, 2007 at the Golden Living Center, surrounded by his family. He leaves to mourn his loving wife of 65 years Doris, son Harland (Sharron) Lofgren, daughters Ardyce (LeRoy) Pillar, Janet (Myron) Twingstrom, and Marilyn (Ivan) Bullert, and sister Marion Kelsey. Ten grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, cousins, relative, neighbors, and friends, along with his dog, Lady, which he lovingly called "Puppy." May he rest in peace. He shall be missed forever.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Audrey Lofgren, his brother Robert Lofgren, and brother-in-law Dr. Chauncey Kelsey.

Funeral services for Carl Lofgren were held on Tuesday, March 13, 2007 at 2 p.m. at the First Lutheran Church of Harris with Rev. Conrad Warner officiating. Music was provided by Carolyn Holmstrom and John Ekstrom at Carl's request.

Casketbearers were Carl's grandchildren Loren Lofgren, Ronald Lofgren, Michael Lofgren, Danial Pillar, Cheryl McDonald, Lonnie Pillar, Mylo Twingstrom, Monty Twingstrom, Brandon Bullert, and Becky Bullert. Interment was at Oak Grove Cemetery in Harris, Minnesota. Arrangements were with the Olson Funeral Chapel of Rush, City, Minnesota.

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