Stanley W. “Babe” Lofquist, age 75, of 10084 S. 75 Road, Rapid River, passed away Wednesday morning February 18, 2009, at the Marquette General Hospital, following a battle with cancer.
Stanley, or “Babe”, as he was fondly called, was born July 11, 1933, in Escanaba, the son of Warren and Marie (Larson) Lofquist. He was raised in Ford River and attended the Ford River School system. Following school and at the early age of twelve, Babe worked for various employers, throughout the area, until his enlistment in the United States Army in 1951. On March 21, 1953, Stanley was united in marriage to the former Janet Dausey, in Escanaba. Janet preceded Babe in death on May 6, 2002. Babe served in the United States Army, during the Korean War, from 1951 to 1954, at which time, he returned to Delta County where he and Janet made their home and began their family in Rapid River. Babe worked for the Chicago & Northwestern railroad, retiring after forty one years of employment. Babe was a lifetime member of the VFW and past member of the Gladstone American Legion August Mattson Post #71. He was an avid photographer and outdoorsman and enjoyed playing cribbage and going to camp.
Survivors include:
2 Sons: Charlie (Bonnie) Lofquist of Escanaba, MI; Mark (Susie) Clark of Gladstone, MI
2 Daughters: Renee (John) Kahl of Ford River, MI; Lisa (Colin) Grose of Rapid River, MI
Brother: John Schroeder of Escanaba, MI
4 Sisters: Paula Jorgensen of Appleton, WI; Robin Castor of Gladstone, MI; Penny Simonson of Tennessee; Rome Palner of Kentucky
Cousin and Best Friend: Mandy Larson of Brampton, MI
Also listed among the surviving family are 13 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to his parents, Warren and Marie, and his loving wife, Janet, Babe was preceded in death by:
Step Father: Paul Schroeder
Son: Teddy Lofquist
Sister: Marge Blazek
Great Grandson: Chase Lofquist
Babe
Anonymous
It has been awhile, but me and my kids still miss you like it was yestarday. I had a baby boy you know and he has your name. He is Bryson Stanley, he just turned one and has alot of your spirt in him. The girls speak of “Happy Papa” all the time. I don’t have the heart to tell them you are gone. You were a wonderful grandpa and grandma. I have many memories to share with my kids. You will be missed and in my heart forever and ever. “Mom and Dad are doing ok, but w/o uncle Charlie Too it’s hard. :*(
Chelsea
Traverse City, MI
Dad,
It’s been a year today that you left us…And your still deep in our hearts you and mom …I know we will always miss you but will always have our great memories of yous.And I know Teddys right there with yous…Its been hard but we are all keeping you in our heart which will make it easear in time…All our childhood memories are strong because you and mom gave us great ones we will never forget youse….We love youse Your Kids
Renee Kahl
Escanaba, MI
Dad I know you have been gone for 4 mnths now but somedays seems like yesterday to me….Im not sure if im spose to talk to u here or not but just wanted to say I love and miss you and wanted you to know what a wonderful dad you were and still are in my heart…Just a little empty feeling without you here with us but we got so many great memories of u and mom and they will stay in our hearts and lives forever…We love you both and know you are together with teddy now…We will all be strong for you like I know u want us to love u dad just wanted to tell u how wonderful u are and always be missed.
Love always,
Renee
Escanaba, MI
Babe was one of the best people I’ve ever met. He would often come down from camp and sit by my pond watching the birds and enjoying the sunshine. On a few occasions i would stop in and he would beat me soundly at cribbage, His friendship will be missed greatly. Sincerest condolensces from the Nelson Family.
Brad Nelson
Gladstone, MI
Sorry to here about your dad.
Rick & Donna Novak
Escanaba, MI
Sorry to here about grandpa that is what jack and I called him. We will miss talking to him over the fence this summer. He was a very good friend.we will miss him a lot.
Sorry for your lost,
Jack and Janice Fournier
Escanaba, MI
I have many fond memories of Janet and Babe from the spot bar in Gladstone. Chuck and Carl Dausey. The four of us played pool and drank beer and laughed. I will always have this memory of them and now they are gone.May the good lord bless you.
Nolan Wangrud
Quartzsite, AZ
Renee,Lisa,Charlie,Mark
Am very sorry to here about Babe.He was a wonderful neighbor and friend.Always cheerful and smiling.My heart goes out to all of you and your family.You will all be in my thoughts and prayers and may God Bless you all.
Squeek n Hilly
Rapid River, MI
We are thinking of all of you at this difficult time. We loved visiting with Babe at the Larson Reunions. He always had wonderful and interesting stories to tell. He will be sadly missed.
Leonard and Sally Schreier
Pellston, MI
So sorry to hear about babe’s death. I know he’ll be greatly missed. there’ll never be another one like him. I have fond memories of him. He was the only person I was ever able to polka with. he danced at my wedding. and when know one else liked me he did. He shared his art with me and was a superb artist! He’ll always have a place in my heart. God bless all of you. Penny
Penny Schroeder Simonson
Lenoir City, TN