William Lofgren

LOFGREN - William was reunited in heaven with his loving wife Elizabeth on June 11, 2004 at the age of 91. They were together on earth for 58 years. Bill was born in New York. He, along with his brother Tauno and sister Anne, spent many years of their childhood being cared for by the Children's Aid Society of Pennsylvania. He is preceded in death by both his sister and brother. He lived most of his adult life in Edgewater, New Jersey where he was also known as "Betty Powers' husband". This is where they raised their eight children. Bill loved to sail and paddle canoes and kayaks, spending a lot of time on the Hudson River enjoying his hobby as a member of the Knickerbocker Canoe Club. At 23, Bill was a member of the first US Olympic Kayak Team in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, Germany. He proudly served in WWII in the army as a Tech Sargent and saw duty in China and India as well as protecting our coastline here at home. He was a master carpenter trained in the trade by a fellow Finn. He always worked in wood, finishing floors, building boats, construction and later building scenery for Broadway shows. Bill was a quiet man, training all four of his sons from a very young age in his trade of carpentry. It was his gift to them. All four are still carpenters, Frank, Aarne and John following Bill into the I.A.T.S.E. Local #1 Stagehands Union in New York, and the fourth son, Al, is a shop teacher and renovates homes in Maine. Bill was a Broadway Stagehand until his retirement. Betty and Bill retired to Sun City West, Arizona where they lived for 15 years. He enjoyed learning how to play golf and spending six or seven days a week on the course for many years. They attended Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Bill is survived by his eight children, their spouses and children. Frank Lofgren of Teaneck, New Jersey, Mary (Brian) Roberts of Scottsdale, Arizona, Monica (Greg) Reid of Medfield, Mass., Al (Joan) Lofgren of Kittery Point, Maine, Jane (Richard) Zanone of Raleigh, N.C., Aarne Lofgren of Manhattan, N.Y., John (Maureen) Lofgren, Old Tappan, N.J., and Celine (Terry) McLaughlin of Phoenix, Arizona. He also had 17 grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Bill was a hard working man possessing a quiet strength, integrity, a deep faith and a never ending devotion to his dear wife and family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him but we know he will live on through his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Contributions in lieu of flowers in William's name to The Children's Aid Society of Pennsylvania, 1315 Walnut Street, Suite 1004, Philadelphia, Pa. 19107-4710. Funeral Services will be held at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale, Arizona on Monday, June 14, 2004. Rosary 10 AM with Funeral Mass immediately following.