Wesley H. Loftesness

Wes was born July 9, 1926 in Garretson, SD to Julian (Henry) and Edith (Bergquist) Loftesness. He was raised on various farming communities in SE South Dakota with his brothers August (Gus), Julian (Jr.) and sister Verneda.

He was drafted into the Army on October 28, 1944, stationed in the Philippines and Honorably Discharged December 10, 1946.

On December 16, 1947, Wes married the love of his life, Ruth Gould in Sioux Falls, SD, on a cold Saturday night. It was 21 degrees below zero.

Wes and Ruth continued farming in eastern South Dakota where they had 3 children, Wayne, Marie and Judy. In 1952, Wes moved his family to Colorado where he and Ruth had 2 more children, Shirley and Glen.

Wes worked hard at various jobs to raise his family and after 25 years as a factory worker at Gates Rubber Co, he retired in 1989.

He was a liftetime member of Verle Huffman VFW Post 9644 and a member of the P.O.L.K. of A. (Polka Lovers Klub of America) since 1979. He had a passion for polka and waltz music, both listening and dancing. As members of the P.O.L.K. of A. he and Ruth enjoyed attending Polka dances/festivals in Colorado, Minnesota, Kansas and Illinois, where they made many lifetime friends. He enjoyed spending time with his family and always looked forward to seeing his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He had a heart of gold but had an ornery streak the size of the Grand Canyon.

Wes is survived by his wife Ruth, sister Verneda Headrick, children Wayne (Mary) Loftesness, Marie Loftesness, Judy (Mark) Moser, Shirley Tinney, Glen (Megan) Loftesness; 10 grandchildren Matthew, Mark, Nanette, Tyler, Penny, Gene, Jesse, Derek, Danis and Jakob; 14 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents Henry & Edith Loftesness, his brothers Vernon, August and Julian Loftesness and grandson Scott Moser.

A visitation for Wes will be held Tuesday, September 6 from 4 - 7pm. Funeral services will follow on Wednesday, September 7 at 2:30pm. Both at Olinger Highland Mortuary, 10201 N Grant St, Thornton, CO.

Arrangements under the direction of Olinger Highland Mortuary & Cemetery, Thornton, CO.