Bill Lofholm
August 21, 1913 - May 09, 2013
At the age of 99, Bill Lofholm passed away peacefully at his home in Nampa on May 9, 2013. Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Leah, in 2001. He is survived by his sons, Larry (Judy) of Pennsylvania and Bill (Marcia) of Idaho Falls; two grandchildren, Jac Lofholm of Washougal, WA and Dixie Lofholm Tucker (Steve) of Upper Arlington, OH; two great-grand children, Leah and Cole Tucker; and his beloved caregivers, Martha Barraza and Roberto Diaz. He also leaves behind his prized dog, Roxy.
Bill was born and raised in Loup City, Nebraska. As a product of the depression, after high school graduation, he joined the Civil Conservation Corp and was assigned to a camp in Chadrin, Nebraska, where he spent three years learning construction and engineering skills. In 1936, he was hired by Morrison Knudsen Construction Co. as a survey chainman and began working on flood control projects in Nebraska. From Nebraska, he moved to the Los Angeles River Project in California and later, worked at constructing Camp Roberts for the Army. In June 1941, he volunteered for an assignment in Alaska where MK was constructing numerous military installations in preparation for the war. In 1947, he became Alaska District Manager for MK and remained with his family in Anchorage until 1951.
In 1952, after leaving Morrison Knudsen, he began a worldwide adventure constructing railroads and port facilities in Brazil, Quebec, Africa, Persia, Thailand and Australia. At the same time, he maintained his ties with Alaska as a partner in Central Construction Company which built many roads and airports in the state.
In 1972, Bill made Nampa his home and began a new chapter in his life working with many friends supporting the youth of the community including renovating the American Legion Baseball Park which today bears his name. As an avid supporter of the Nampa Boys and Girls Club, he went out of his way to help build the Club. As a result of his support of youth athletics, Bill was inducted into the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame in 2006.
His other great passion was the Nampa schools. He took great pride in helping foster the construction of many new schools in the district as Nampa's growth skyrocketed. He was proud that this was possible, because Nampa never failed to pass a construction bond levy and never raised the mil levy to build these schools. In 2009, he was inducted into the Nampa High Hall of Fame.
Bill was a strong supporter of Nampa High School Band and The Boys and Girls Club. For several years he had the honor of sitting in a large, over-stuffed chair on the balcony at the Nampa High basketball games.
The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of St. Alphonsus Hospice for the great care and support they gave to Bill and his family.
At Bill's request there will be no funeral. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Nampa Boys and Girls Club and the Nampa High School Band at a Branch of US Bank.
To share a memory of Bill or to offer condolences to Bill's family please visitwww.alsippersons.com. The family has placed their trust in Alsip & Persons Funeral Chapel for their final arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
Bill Sr. and I were introduced in in the fall of 2012. Through a common goal and odd circumstances we became unexpected allies. Over the time leading up to his passing, we spent many hours talking and discussing "the issues": religion, politics, kids, marriage, work & the social condition. Bill was a straight-shooter. He never avoided my tears, and he even had a few of his own. Bill had a strong sense of civic responsibility, and he spent most of his last days researching matters of public concern. Bill was a champion.
Moni G.
January 5, 2014
My life was blessed and positively impacted while working with Bill on the Nampa American Legion Baseball board. He was a great example to many people over the years of hard work and dedication.
Linda Emry
May 17, 2013
Bill was a remarkable man and was an example to us all. He reminds us to live life to the fullest and to make a difference in our community!
Pamela Slevin
May 17, 2013
Bill will forever be my friend. Jennie and "Little Princess" Saige. Saige's picture hung on his wall for many years.
Jennie Oman
May 12, 2013
Bill Lofholm was a great friend. He has been a grandfather to me, and I deeply appreciate him for all his hard work at rodeo park, that name after him. He will be miss, by a lot of his friends, and family. RIP Bill, we love you.
May 12, 2013
I was proud to know Bill and listen to many of his stories at the ballpark. He told his experiences of sitting in Yankee Stadium watching Mantle and Maris play. Bill told me once he was considering going skydiving, even at his age. He was a great man and his Service to the community was unmatched. RIP my friend.
Wade Post
May 12, 2013
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