Richard Lohroff, Jr.

To view a recording of Rick's funeral service, click here: https://youtu.be/W-okrhv7YJc

Richard "Rick" Francis Lohroff Jr. passed away peacefully in the early hours of August 16, 2021.  He was surrounded by loved ones earlier in the evening and was eased into his upcoming journey by hearing the "I love yous" and "we are ok".

Rick was the only son of Richard and Doloris (Ekness) Lohroff, Sr.  He was born on February 3, 1947 in Dowagiac, Michigan.  Rick was the light of his mother's life and helped her run the family business E-Line Distributors.  He spent summers working on the family farm for his uncles alongside his cousins.  This resulted in him becoming a gentleman and taught him a good work ethic, to be successful and kind, above all else.

Rick inherited his love of animals from his Grandma Ekness.  He was a gentle soul and animals knew that.  He had a special love for his dogs and knew that Gabe was going to meet him at the Rainbow Bridge to cross into heaven.  When Rick and MJ lived in Nevada, they would have wild mustangs in their backyard regularly and Rick, under the watchful eye of the horses, was allowed to pet some of the foals.

Rick served in the US Air Force until his mother's health and the business caused him to receive an honorable discharge after 10 months.  Rick attended the U of Illinois and received a bachelor's degree in aeronautical engineering and spent some time abroad for his studies.  Rick owned and loved flying his own airplane, a Cessna Cardinal 180.

Rick married the love of his life, Mary Jane Cohen, on January 5, 1974.  They shared many adventures together and enjoyed special times with the extended family.  His faith was very important to him and he was steadfast in it.  He had heart problems in the past and believed that if he followed his doctor's advice, that his life would be extended.  It worked and he lived an additional 26 years after having major heart surgery.  "Each day was a gift" he said and he was right.

Rick is survived by Mary Jane, his aunt Avis Ekness and numerous cousins, as well as a sister-in-law and nephews in Michigan. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Robbie, aunts, uncles and 1 cousin, Joan Weschler and his beloved dogs, Gabe, Guido, Bob, Bitsy and Mishka.

Funeral Services will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 24, 2021 in Evanger Lutheran Church, Rural Grand Forks with visitation one hour prior to the service in the church.  

n lieu of flowers, a donation to the Evanger Cemetery Association for upkeep of the cemetery would be very much appreciated.  Please mail to Mona Baker at 1289 16th St. NE, Grand Forks, ND 58201.  Rick is buried in the Evanger cemetery with his mother and the rest of his family.