Kenneth Lofgreen

Kenneth Lofgreen, husband, father and grandfather (“Mor Far”), passed away peacefully and surrounded by his family, on April 2, 2015. He lived his life valiantly and taught us much about patience, humility, and longsuffering through our experience together with Alzheimer’s.Ken was born August 29, 1928 in Kramfors, Sweden to Carl W. and Dagny Karolina Ohman Lofgren. He was raised and schooled in the Kramfors area until, at the young age of sixteen, he courageously left home for Stockholm, Sweden to live on his own. In 1949, Ken immigrated to the United States, working various jobs to support himself in Idaho, Utah, and finally in Chicago, where he trained to become an artisan brick mason.Ken was inducted to the U.S. Army in April of 1952 during the Korean War. He was a gifted skier and was transferred to Germany the last three months of his army tour. In Germany he competed as a member of the U.S. Army Ski Jumping team called, “Big Red,” for the 1954 Garmisch ski championships. After his honorable discharge in March of 1954 he returned to Chicago where he met Mildred Olson, whom he married in July of that same year. Ken and Mil lived in Chicago for many years making many lifelong friends while raising their young family. Ken resumed his work as a brick mason while Mil worked as a nurse. In 1960, they moved and settled in Salt Lake City where he started and operated his own masonry contracting business. In 1977, he and his son, David, opened Lofgren’s Furniture. He loved people and enjoyed the many acquaintances he developed through both his masonry and furniture businesses.Ken exemplified the value of an honest day’s work and he passed his strong work ethic along to his children. His sense of humor and personable nature made him a favorite with anyone who knew him. Ken’s propensity for making friends allowed him to enjoy life’s journey. He was fortunate to be blessed with an equally accomplished, supportive, and loving wife. To say he would have been lost without her would be an understatement. Her selfless and compassionate care for Ken throughout his life, and especially through these difficult last years, has taught her family much.Ken was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the gospel has a very tender place in his heart. Ken’s family meant everything to him and he was the happiest when everyone was all together. He accomplished everything he set out to do and has been taken back home in peace. Ken will be missed by his family and all who knew and loved him. Ken is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mildred; his children, David (Marla), Diane (Dean) Bentley, Donna West, Dana (Doug) Ball; sixteen grandchildren and eight great grandchildren; sister, Inga Brit Nilsson of Sundsvall, Sweden; and brother, Jack Lofgren of Minneapolis, Mn.; along with many cousins, nieces and nephews.He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Roland Claus Lofgren; brother-in-law, Bertil Nilsson; grandson, Jorma Bentley; son-in-law, David West; and two great grand children, Finn Lofgren and Shaylee West.The family wishes to thank all of the wonderful and dedicated caregivers at the Silverado Senior Living and Rehabilitation Center for their selfless care.Funeral services to be held on Monday, April 6, 2015 at 2:00 pm at the South Cottonwood Ward building, 5605 South Vine Street, Murray, Utah. A viewing will be held prior from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. Interment: Murray City Cemetery.