Walter N. Lofgren

1917 - 2011

Walter N. Lofgren passed away on Feb. 13th, 2011 due to a massive stroke. He was born on Sept. 8, 1917 to Andrew and Olianna Lofgren. He was the ninth of ten children and the last survivor of his family. Two of the three children also preceded him in death, Claire in 2009 and Michael in 2006. He is survived by his wife of sixty eight years Emma, and his daughter Cindy, his two grandson's Scott Davis, Jeff (Jennifer) Davis and son in law Mike Davis.

Walt's father came to America from Sweden and his mother from Norway. They settled in Warroad, Minnesota where Walt grew up on a farm. Later his parents purchased a restaurant.

Walt graduated from high school in Warroad. He then did a number of jobs for a few years until going to Minneapolis to learn auto mechanics.

He married Emma Mickelson in 1943 then joined the army as a mechanic. He spent most of his military tour in India preparing equipment for transport to the Burma Road in China.

In 1946 he returned home where he crossed the Pacific by ship landing in Seattle. He was employed as an auto mechanic in Baudette, Minnesota until 1955. The family then moved to Seattle where he continued to work as an auto mechanic.

In 1961 he purchased Barr Auto Repair, where he established a lucrative business until 1976, when they moved back to Baudette. Unable to deal with the harsh winter they moved back to Seattle after one year. He continued to work as a mechanic in Seattle until 1982 when he retired.

During his retirement in Seattle he and Emma continued to be active members of Lutheran Church in West Seattle. They also enjoyed Ballroom dancing, traveling and visiting Claire and family in Ellensburg.

In 1999 Walt and Emma moved to Ellensburg to be closer to Claire and family.
We will miss Walt for his sense of humor and his love of family, friends and God.