WILLIAM LOTHERT

WILLIAM ELGAR LOTHERT William Elgar Lothert died on June 21, 2024, at his home in Indian Beach Harbor in Spicer. On April 1, 2024, Bill was diagnosed with AML leukemia and given a grim prognosis of one month to live. Despite that, Bill enjoyed almost three full months surrounded by the love of his children, grandchildren, siblings, and many friends. In one week, the family gathered for both "Christmas" and "Thanksgiving" dinner to celebrate just being together and revel in a life well lived. Bill was born on March 6, 1937, to Pearl and Elgar Lothert. He was the oldest of three children. He grew up on the family farm south of Olivia and north of Morton. Bill's parents and spouse of 57 years, Imogene Karen, preceded him in death. Best known as a local crop-duster and farmer, Bill's warm and kind disposition attracted many customers, friends, and respected positions in the community such as serving on the bank board of directors, school board, Ariel Applicators Association Board, and church council. At home, Bill was a devoted husband and, later when she was diagnosed with MS, caregiver to Imogene. True to his vows, he stood by her in sickness and made certain she was able to remain in the comfort of their home until her last breath, a testament of unconditional love. Bill was also a giving and loving father to his children. Unlike most men of his generation, Bill was the softer and more loving parent with Imogene being the rule-enforcer. He was a tender-hearted soul. A year after high school graduation, on June 1, 1957, he married his best friend, Imogene Novotny, at Bird Island's Our Saviors Lutheran Church. Together they lived on the Lothert family farm for 47 years until they retired and moved to Spicer in 2005. Lothert Aerial Spraying served the surrounding farming community for 25 years with Bill at the helm. Thereafter, Bill farmed approximately 1,000 acres of land until 1999 when he fully retired. Bill and Imogene greatly enjoyed traveling, both within and outside the United States and spending summers at their cabin on Green Lake. Bill enjoyed many hobbies such as hunting, fishing, tennis, pickleball, golf, snorkeling, flying, and playing cards. He loved Elvis, Johnny Cash, a good western, Family Feud, and a bowl of ice cream before bed. With an easy smile, subtle humor and sarcasm, and quick wit, he was a pleasure to be around whether you were his friend or family. Bill is survived by his twin siblings, Jan and John and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by all four of his children and their families, which include 14 grandchildren an one great-grandchild: Peggy and Scott Verkinderen and their children Meghan and Michael; Debbie and Dan Dunn and Debbie's children, Lindsey Laidlaw and Jason Bidinger, and Jason's daughter Addison; Scott and Babette Lothert and their children Shayman, Austen, Brogen, and Petra; and Jennifer Lothert and Jason Romano and their children, Tatiana, Gabriel, Caleb, Lucas, Xavier, and Myra. A Memorial service was held on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at Peace Lutheran Church in New London. Burial at a later date will be in Morton City Cemetery. Arrangements were with the Johnson Funeral Home in New London. www.hafh.org