Bernard Loftsgard

Bernard Gene Loftsgard, 84, of Clermont passed away Monday, August 12, 2013 at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon surrounded by his family. Visitation was held Sunday, August 18 at Marion Lutheran Church in Gunder, with a Prayer Service officiated by Rev. Marshall Hahn. Per Bernard’s wishes he was an organ donor.
Bernard was born June 7, 1929 in Marion Township in Clayton County to Gilbert and Bessie (Larson) Loftsgard. He was baptized August 4, 1929 and confirmed June 27, 1943 by Rev. S.J. Strandjord at the Marion Lutheran Church in Gunder, where he was a lifetime member. He attended Marion Township Country School  and Elgin High School. He was raised in Gunder and lived in the area his entire life.
Bernard married Catherine Ann Boland of Elkader March 31, 1951, and they just celebrated their 62nd anniversary in March of this year with their entire family.  They were blessed with four children, Jerry, Larry, Marilyn and Bernard Wayne. He started trucking and farming with his Pa and carried on the family tradition with his own sons for over 50 years.  His grandchildren have fond memories of riding with him in the truck. He enjoyed his coffee every morning, visiting with friends in the surrounding communities.
Bernard is survived by his wife, Catherine; two children, Jerry (Bev) Loftsgard and Marilyn (Milt) Schutte; a daughter-in-law, Paula Loftsgard; six grandchildren,  Jarrod (Deb) Loftsgard, Chantel (Troy) Johnson, Ryan (Rachel) Schutte, Josh (Stephanie) Loftsgard, Wade Schutte, and Rhett Loftsgard; eight great-grandchildren, Logan, Peyton and Madison Loftsgard, Kelby and Kaleb Johnson, Reagan and Riley Schutte and Clayton Loftsgard; two siblings, Ronnie (Judy) Loftsgard and Karol Helgerson; a sister-in-law, Helen Elias; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Gilbert and Bessie; his sons, Larry and Bernard Wayne; his brother, Charlie; his father and mother-in-law; five brothers-in-law and one sister-in-law.
Condolences may be left at www.graufuneralhomes.com. Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service assisted the family with arrangements.