David Lovlien

Thirty-seven days following the exit of the love of his life, Betty Lou Lovlien, David Louis Lovlien died at age 81, joining Betty Lou in the more immediate presence of his Savior on Tuesday, January 23rd at St. Mary's Hospital, Rochester, MN. David was born to Alfred and Selma (Haugen) in LaCrosse, WI, on March 13th, 1936. David was the son of a butter maker, and the family moved from Coon Valley, WI to Bethany, MN where he helped his Dad at the creamery. He served four years at Offit Air Force Base, Omaha, Nebraska. He returned to Altura, MN where he farmed with Gerald Stephan, his brother-in-law, buying Shady Elm Farm with Gerald in 1966. David loved learning about the soil and how to improve soil health. He also served on the board of AMPI, supporting dairy farmers in the area.
David Lovlien met Betty Lou in high school and on April 28th, 1956 they married and lived briefly in Omaha, Nebraska, while Dave served in the Air Force. They returned to the family farm and set on a life long career of farming and caring for others. David was a kind-hearted Dad and Grandpa. As a farmer, he had the opportunity to shape and develop his children as loving and giving people. As Betty Lou was a care-giver, Dave also reaped the benefit of many shared moments in raising his children and grandchildren. Betty Lou made many Easter baskets for all her "children" and David was her delivery boy. After his retirement, David worked as a custodian at the Kahler Hotel, which he enjoyed, but later became a full-time care-giver of Betty Lou. David was a devout Christian, sharing his love of Christ as Sunday School Superintendent and as a choir member. He had a love for photography and enjoyed constantly learning new things. He and Betty Lou enjoyed dancing with friends at the Oaks Supper Club.
Left to honor David and remember his love are his three children, Mike (Cheryl) Lovlien, Linda (Gary) Mrozek, and Stephanie Lovlien; four grandchildren; Brittany (Andrew) Schou, Olan (Samantha) Lovlien, Janelle (Michael) Lafrentz, and Chelsea Mrozek (Zack Krings); five great-grandchildren: Oliver, August, Sierra, Maya and James; two brothers, Richard (Delores) Lovlien and Carl Lovlien, a sister Arleen Jaffee, and many nieces and nephews. David was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Selma Lovlien, three brothers, Alfred (Elaine) Lovlien, Paul (Eunice) Lovlien and Erling (Phyllis) Lovlien and one sister, Margaret (Eddie) Moilanen and his wife and love of his life, Betty Lou (Stephan) Lovlien.
Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, January 27th at Our Saviors Moravian Church, Altura, MN., with the Rev. Gregory Behrend officiating. Burial will follow at the Hebron Cemetery Altura. The family will greet friends from 1 - 4 p.m. on Saturday at Our Saviors Moravian Church in Altura. The Lovlien family would like to extend our gratitude to all the staff at Winona's caring facilities: Callista Court, Sauer Health Care, Winona, MN and St. Mary's Hospital, Rochester. Please share a memory of David and view his video tribute, when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com. The Lewiston American Legion will present military graveside honors at the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in David's name to charity of the donor's choice.