David Jeffrey Lofgren

Dave was born December 30, 1960 in Chicago, Illinois to Gordon and Patricia Lofgren. He grew up in McFarland, Wisconsin, and graduated from Edgewood High School in Madison. Dave attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he became an accomplished wrestler while earning a bachelor's degree in Journalism, with a minor in Agriculture.

After college, Dave joined the Marine Corps and spent the next 28 years building an inspiring and prestigious career that included earning a master's degree in Strategic Security Studies from the National Defense College and participating in Operations Desert Storm, Restore Hope, Enduring Freedom x 3, and Iraqi Freedom. Dave was awarded numerous awards and medals throughout his military career, including a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart.

In 1992, while on a military deployment to Singapore, Dave met his best friend and love of his life, Vongthipsuda (Giap) King. They were wed June 4, 1993, and throughout their 29 years of marriage, they were blessed with six beautiful children. Dave was a proud and devoted family man and happily spent hours participating in various clubs his children belonged to, attending their numerous sporting events, teaching them invaluable skills and life lessons, and simply sharing life's priceless moments with his wife and children. The legacy he leaves will forever be seen through his children, their accomplishments, and the love they share between them.

Dave was a man of endless depth. His love of the outdoors fueled his passion for hunting, fishing, and nursing the occasional sick plant or tree back to health. His devotion to his church and community was demonstrated in his unwavering and selfless dedication to the needs of others. Dave was fluent in Urdu, Pashti, Swedish, Norwegian, and Spanish. His breadth of knowledge and vocabulary seemed unlimited, making him a skilled orator (and forcing others to buy a pocket dictionary). Dave's endless jokes served to both entertain his kids and endear him to those making his bigger-than-life acquaintance for the first time. His endless pursuit of knowledge and new experiences was contagious to those lucky enough to know him.

Dave is preceded in death by his father, Gordon Lofgren and his brother Daniel Lofgren.

Dave leaves behind his wife, Giap of Fredericksburg; his children, Erik of Camp Lejeune, NC, Niklas of Madison, WI, Kristian of Harrisonburg, VA, and Lukas, Lily, and Oskar of the family home; his mother, Patricia Lofgren of McFarland, WI; sisters Joan Neumann (Mark) of Chippewa Falls, WI and Kathy Siegmann (Mark) of McFarland, WI; brothers Karl Lofgren (Lori) of Lodi, WI, and Mark Lofgren of McFarland, WI; sister-in-law, Amita Lofgren of Wausau, WI and innumerable friends that have invariably become family.

A life that touches others goes on forever. Dave Lofgren lived his whole life in service to others. In lieu of flowers and in remembrance of Dave's life, the family asks that you consider a charitable memorial donation to Semper Fi & America's Fund at http://thefund.org/donate or by mail to 825 College Blvd., Suite 102, PMB 609 Oceanside, CA 92057, Tax ID #26-0086305.