Loren Erickson

1953 - 2026

Loren Erickson

July 29, 1953 - January 20, 2026

Loren R. Erickson, age 72, of Durant, Iowa, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at UnityPoint Health - Muscatine.

A visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., Monday, January 26, 2026, at Bentley Funeral Home, Durant. Cremation rites will be accorded following the visitation. Memorials may be made to the Durant Fire Department. Online condolences may be left at www.bentleyfuneralhome.com

Loren was born on July 29, 1953, the son of Raymond and Ruth (Rock) Erickson in Davenport. He graduated from Davenport West High School with the Class of 1971. After graduation, Loren attended Muscatine Community College, where he earned his Associate Degree in Agriculture Business. Loren married JoEllen Boeckelmann on July 5, 1986 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Durant.

Loren began his working career in Maintenance at North Star Steel in Wilton. He later worked as a delivery driver for Paper Lumber and then for Seiffert Lumber in Davenport, where he remained until his retirement. Loren was known for his strong work ethic, reliability, and pride in a job well done. A farmer his entire life, Loren was passionate about agriculture and livestock. He focused on raising cattle, particularly Angus/Simmental breeds, and also devoted many years to breeding and showing Arabian horses. His love for horses took him across the country to shows, where he formed lasting friendships and memories.

Loren enjoyed spending time with his wife camping and traveling in their RV. Together they explored destinations such as Key West, Florida, the Black Hills, and many other places along the way. Closer to home, he found joy in dining out, visiting with neighbors, and cruising the gravel roads in his side-by-side, stopping to catch up with friends and neighbors. He was also a member of the Muscatine Cattlemen Association. Family was at the center of Loren's life. He loved attending his children's and grandchildren's sporting events and activities and was one of their biggest supporters. Loren was also a huge Iowa State Cyclones fan and enjoyed cheering them on whenever he could.

Loren will be dearly missed by his loving wife, JoEllen; two children, Jamie (Toni) Dean of Durant and Jill (Jim) Lochner of Long Grove; five grandchildren, Christopher, Colyn and Kale Dean and Chloe and Colt Lochner; and one sister, Kathy Thomas of Des Moines.

Loren was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother-in-law, John Thomas.

Bentley Funeral Home

Durant, Iowa