John W. Lofgren

Born on April 9,1930 in Auburn, Nebraska, John W. Lofgren lived a life marked by resilience and devotion to family. Despite a challenging childhood, John forged his own path, demonstrating strength and independence from a very early age. In 1947, John met Joan Poehler and began a love that would span more than seven decades.

After serving honorably as a sergeant in Europe, where he had the opportunity to explore the beauty of Europe, including Amsterdam, Paris, Italy and Switzerland, John returned home to the United States. During an illness, Joan’s family invited John into their home to help him heal and that was ultimately when they fell in love. John and Joan married on June 10,1953 and built a life in Lincoln, Nebraska

John was a dedicated provider, working first as a milkman for Roberts Dairy and later as a debt collector at Dial Finance. He then went on to become a loan officer guiding families and businesses through important financial milestones. (The job change may have been encouraged by the fact that Joan wasn’t pleased during the milkman phase when a female neighbor continued to invite him into her house during deliveries). His banking career took the family to Minneapolis, Kansas City, and back to Lincoln with Joan by his side. Together, they raised two daughters, Cindy and Connie, and the family eventually grew to include six grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

A man of few words, John expressed his love through thoughtful actions. He loved fishing and boating in Minnesota, tending to his acreage and working in his garden, which nourished not only his family, but also friends and neighbors. John also enjoyed spending time with his grand-son in law Clint, restoring an old car and eating lunch together on Fridays. His gentle spirit was evident in his devotion to the many dogs who shared their home over the years. (If you ever wondered who got the last piece of steak, check under the table-John was a soft touch for a wagging tail).

John passed away on December 22, 2025 at the age of 95. He was preceded in death by his parents, Louise and Gunnar Lofgren, his brother George, sister Dorothy Fox, and his wife Joan, with whom he shared 72 years of marriage. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew him-his family, friends and all who were touched by his generosity and easy sense of humor,

A visitation with viewing will be on Friday, January 16 from 5-7pm at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home 6800 So. 14th St. in Lincoln, and a burial will be the following day with military honors at 11:00am for family and close friends at Osage Cemetery in Cook, Nebraska. Memorials may be sent to Nebraska No Kill Canine Rescue at NNKCR PO Box 6295 Lincoln, NE 68506-6295 or contact them at

[email protected].