Russell Warren Lofgren, Sr.

On Saturday, August 17, 2019, Russell Warren Lofgren, SR, loving husband and father of two children, passed away at the age of 83. He and his wife were longtime residents of Maple Grove, MN

They say a smile is contagious, that when you share it with someone you never know how far it truly reaches.  Well, behind Russ’ contagious smile is a legacy to tell.  Russell’s smile began shortly after he was born on May 7, 1936 to his parents, Ernie and Pearl (Peterson) Lofgren. He was the youngest of three boys and grew up in Northeast Minneapolis. His rich Swedish Heritage was passed down to him through both sets of grandparents who immigrated to the U.S. in earlier years.

Regardless of who Russ inherited his smile from, it was an attribute he used to charm his way into his sweetheart’s heart. He and DaMaris Ann Stoakes married on June 29, 1957. Russ’ smile grew bigger when he learned he was the father of twins a boy and a girl, Russ Jr, and Susan. It was then his smile continued to multiply.

Russ started out as a lineman for the Northwestern Bell Telephone Company just out of high school. He finished 32-years of employment in a Supervisor/Forman position in both line and cable.  Many times he and his crew were called to locations impacted by hurricanes to help restore service.  Russ was recognized for his good attitude, strong work ethics, and great team building and leadership skills. After closing that chapter at Northwestern Bell, Russ began work part time in Facility Maintenance at his church, Living Word Christian Center (Brooklyn Park). Within the first year he took over as the Department Head.  After 24 years of shared smiles and service (working both part-time and full-time), he quietly retired in 2012.

Russell and his wife, Dee, enjoyed their winters in McAllen, TX near Dee’s brother, Don. Their summers were spent in Minnesota near their children and most of their grandchildren.

During this time Russ’ smile had multiplied from two children, to seven grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, 3 step-great grandchildren, and 1 step-great-great grandchild. And this made him VERY happy.

While family was very important to Russ, his relationship with the Lord ultimately shaped who he was.  On November 20, 1983 he gave his life to Jesus and that changed everything.  The man we knew before was a good man, but take all those qualities and characteristics and add Jesus to them – and his life only got brighter. Russ loved Jesus and knew heaven was for real. He wanted people to know and have what he’s had over these past 36 years and was constantly sharing his faith. He shared with someone, one time, that even if it’s your last breath – if you just call on the name of Jesus you will be saved.

With Russ’ last breath, his smile has finally brightened heaven’s gates.  He may be at home now, but we can still see his smile in our children, our grandchildren, in his friends and coworkers, and in strangers he’s greeted along the way.  It’s a smile that continues to this day.

Russ was preceded in death by his parents Ernie Sr, and Pearl, and his brothers, Ernie Jr and Paul Sr. He is survived by his wife DaMaris (Dee), his two children, Russell Jr, and Susan (Richard) Dumire, his 7 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, 3 step great-grandchildren and 1 step great-great grandchild.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service was held on Thursday, September 5, 2019 at Living Word Christian Center, Brooklyn Park, MN.