Louann Lofgren

LouAnn Spitzner Lofgren, age 94, passed away on February 24, 2019 surrounded by her family at New Perspective Senior Living in Mankato, Minnesota. LouAnn was born to George and Anna (Meyer) Spitzner on January 27th 1925. She lived with her parents and brother, Ronald on their farm west of St. James where she went to country school and then graduated from St. James High School. After high school she worked at the Watonwan County Extension office. Through her brother Ron she met Elvin Lofgren, whom she married at the Catholic Church on May 6, 1944. They lived on Elvins family farm north of St. James for 70 years where LouAnn became a homemaker and mother to their five daughters. She loved to cook, bake and she read cookbooks like novels. The products of her huge vegetable garden, which she planted each spring, were canned, frozen, eaten and given away. Lou Ann loved her church and was always there to serve for funerals, bazaars, sewing, saying the rosary and participating in Catholic Daughters and the World Day of Prayer. LouAnn was also passionate about serving her community by volunteering at Pleasant View nursing home, Meals on Wheels or wherever there was a need in the community. She became involved in St. James Hospice at its organizational beginning, becoming the Hospice Volunteer Coordinator. In 2004 she received the Sertoma Award Service to Mankind award, and in 2012 was nominated for a Hometown Hero for her volunteerism. LouAnn loved to travel, taking many trips worldwide and in the states to sightsee, or visit family and friends. She enjoyed playing cards with her many friends belonging to several bridge and 500 groups. But above all LouAnns greatest love was her family. She loved birthdays, holidays and gatherings at the farm or lake. She was devoted to her children and grandchildren. If grandchildren were playing in a game whether it was volleyball, football, basketball, wrestling, gymnastic, tae kwo do, swimming, dance team, track, or baseball she tried to be there. She rarely missed a band or choir concert, dance or piano recital or Sunday school program. She was their number one cheerleader and number one encourager. LouAnn loved life and she filled every moment of the day doing things to make someone happy. She will be greatly missed. LouAnn is survived by her daughters Pam Schmillen of Chaska Mn, Diane (Tom) Robinson of Victoria, MN, Cherryl Lofgren (Mike Zender) of Edina, MN, Barb (Larry)Twedt of Frost, MN and Jane (Mike) Brandts of St. James; grandchildren, Jared (LeAnna) Schmillen, Mike (Joanna) Schmillen, Matt (Rachael) Schmillen, Justin (Lori) Robinson, Kim (Trent) Foell , Shannon Robinson, Hannah Twedt, Micah Twedt, Mariah Twedt, Joshua Twedt, Ryan (Amanda) Brandts, Anna (Russ) Nagel, Meghan (Nick) Schultze, Briana Brandts, Zach (special friend Sarah) Brandts, Allison Brandts and sixteen great grandchildren. LouAnn was preceded in death by her husband Elvin, her parents, grandson Thomas Brandts and brother Ronald. Visitation 1 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm Monday, March 11, 2019 Sturm Funeral Home, St. James Chapel 906 10th Ave. S. St. James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Christian Mothers rosary recited at 3:30pm. Visitation 2 9:30 am - 10:30 am Tuesday, March 12, 2019 St. James Catholic Church, St. James 623 4th Street S. Saint James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Service Information 10:30 am Tuesday, March 12, 2019 St. James Catholic Church, St. James 623 4th Street S. Saint James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Interment Information Calvary Cemetery- St. James East of town on CR 27 Saint James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Fellowship Lunch to be served in Marian Hall following burial.