Robert 'Bob' Loften

Robert ‘Bob’ Loften, age 78 of Osakis and McAllen, TX passed away early Feb. 3, 2021 at the McAllen Medical Center in McAllen, TX.

Robert Allen was born on August 11, 1942 in Lakota, North Dakota to Chester and Katherine (Dougherty) Loften.  He graduated from Lakota High School with the Class of 1961 having enjoyed participating in several sports during high school.  Bob also learned to play percussion and trap drums and was soon playing on weekends with his father’s band.  Bob attended Mayville State Univeristy in Mayville, ND to become a secondary Math and Science teacher.  He married to Kathy Olson in 1962 and they raised five children, Tracie, Tammie, Lynette, Bryan and Nicole.  After graduating with his Bachelor degree in 1965, Bob was first hired by the Kensal Public School in Kensal, ND, where he taught for three years. (Bob later completed his Masters degree from North Dakota State University in 1975.) While in Kensal, Bob was both the Jr. Varsity and Varsity Basketball coach and in the spring also coached Track and Field.  When a position opened in Osakis, MN, for a Math and Science instructor, Bob was hired and would teach 31 years for the Osakis Public School. Over the years Bob was involved with the Silverstreak sports programs in many capacities, including as the Varsity Boys baseball coach, the assistant Girls Volleyball coach and he also ran the Summer Rec program in Osakis for several years.  In 1987 Bob was married to Vickie Cooper and from this union he also gained a step-daughter, Cheryce.  Bob was active in many local organizations, including the Osakis Lions Club, where he was District Sec/Treas., the Osakis Sportsman’s Club and he also served on the board for the Osakis Lake Association.  During his time on the OLA board, Bob assisted in getting grant monies to fight the spread of the invasive Curly Leaf in Lake Osakis.  His interest in the lake and its health came naturally to Bob as he was a life-long fisherman who loved to get out on the lake.  He so enjoyed his lake home and wonderful neighbors.  Bob also enjoyed getting out golfing but was probably the happiest just playing games and being with his grandchildren.

Bob is survived by his wife, Vickie Loften of Alexandria and McAllen; his children, Tracie (Jerry) Overmoe, Tammie Loften, Lynette Loften-Lee, Bryan Loften, Nicole (Rusty) McDonald; stepdaughter, Cheryce Franzen; 18 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; a brother, William Loften; many nieces and nephews.  He is preceded by his parents and a sister, Mary Jane Flom.

Funeral services for Bob will be held on February 27, 2021 at 11:00 am at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Osakis with Fr. David Petron officiating.  Visitation hours are from 4 – 7 pm on Friday evening at the Roy-Hetland Funeral Home in Osakis, MN.  All COVID precautions will be required at the service and the visitation.  The service will be recorded and available to watch afterwards on the funeral home website in Bob's obituary page. Interment is in the family plot at the Lakota Cemetery in Lakota, ND.  Honorary bearers include his grandchildren and friends, Ron Boys, Dick Hoff, Raf Zajac, Dave Michalek, John Westereng, Bob Gotter, Larry Baufield, Dan Klukken and Mike Mielitz.

Condolences and memories may also be left for Bob on his Tribute page at www.royhetland.com.   Arrangements by Roy-Hetland Funeral Home in Osakis, MN.