Loftsgard, Clemens Bernell 1923-2002

ERICKSON, LOFTSGARD, FOLKERS, PATRICK, REAR

Posted By: M. Durr - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 5/22/2010 at 19:55:25

Clemens Bernell Loftsgard, the son of Mellien Victor and Stella Pauline (Erickson) Loftsgard, was born February 13, 1923 in Gunder, Iowa, in Marion Township, Clayton County. He passed away Saturday, February 23, 2002 in the Good Samaritan Center at Postville, Iowa, at the age of 79 years and ten days.

He attended the rural school near his home and graduated from the Clermont High School in 1941 and was also a graduate of Lewis School of Aeronautics at Lockport, Illinois. Clemens enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1942 and completed the Aircraft Mechanics course at Sheppard Air Base in Wichita Falls, TX. Shortly after that he volunteered for aviation cadets and completed his primary flying course of pilot training in South Carolina. While there he became ill and was medically discharged from the military service. During the remainder of WW II he worked in defense-related aircraft plants.

After WW II he was engaged in buying surplus Army aircraft and modifying them for resale. He also brokered aircraft parts and did custom converting of Volkswagen engines into aircraft engines. In the 1980's and early 1990's, during the winter months, he would winter in Phoenix, AZ, and worked at Sky Harbor Airport.

In later years he enjoyed reading and shopping at yard sales. He also enjoyed golfing until failing health left him unable to do any walking. He is preceded in death by his parents and a sister-in-law, Almeta Loftsgard. Surviving are a son David Loftsgard and his wife Deborah of Postville, Iowa, a daughter Susan (Ross) Folkers of Humboldt, Iowa, a brother, Stanley Loftsgard of Richland, Missouri, a sister Iona (Carl) Patrick of West Union, IA; 7 grandchildren: David Green, Dennis Green, Jeaneen Kleppe, Jason Loftsgard, Jayme Loftsgard, Sunshine Loftsgard and Jeremy Prier; 2 great grandchildren, Curtis Green and Dalton Green. Also an aunt, Florence (Erickson) Rear, and nephews and nieces.

Casket bearers were Jim Patrick Dennis Schroeder, Eric Loftsgard, David Green, Dennis Green, Greg Wettleson. He was laid to rest at Gunder Cemetery (Marion Lutheran ) on February 27, 2002.

Postville, Iowa newspaper of the time clipping, from my mother's obituary collection. Posted for genealogical purposes, contributor is not related.