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’s family will receive friends on Saturday from 2:00PM to 4:45PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Military rites will be conducted at 4:45PM, at the Skradski Funeral, by the Gladstone American Legion August Mattson Post #71. Funeral services celebrating the life of Stanley W. "Babe" Lofquist will follow military rite, at 5:00PM, at the Skradski Funeral Home, with Rev. Fr. Emmet Norden officiating. Luncheon will follow at the Gladstone Senior Center. Committal will take place at the Ford River Cemetery in the Spring. The Skradski-Boyce Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Lofquist family with arrangements.