Obituary - Kermit Leonard Loftus

Kermit Leonard Loftus, 84, went home to his Heavenly Father January 30, 2020, at the Northern Montana Care center due to natural causes.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. today, February 3, 2020, at Holland & Bonine Funeral Chapel, and funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 4, 2020, at Community Alliance Church. Burial will follow in Highland Cemetery.

Kermit’s family has suggested memorial donations may be made in his name to the Red Cliff Bible Camp for the Lodge Rebuild Fund, PO Box 846, Pinedale, WY 82941, or the charity of the donor’s choice.

Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with services and arrangements.

Please visit Kermit’s online memorial page and leave a message of condolence for his family at http://www.hollandbonine.com .

Kermit was born June 5, 1935, in Chinook, Montana, to Howard and Mabel (Hallenberger) Loftus. He attended schools in Wagner, Gildford, and Havre, and married Loretta C. Schoepp October 6, 1962.

He worked for Howard Loftus and Son House Moving from 1952-1962, moving many buildings. He also worked for the Great Northern and Burlington Northern Railways, beginning in 1952, working his way up from laborer, then electrician helper, electrician apprentice, and finally locomotive electrician in the Havre Diesel Shop.

Kermit retired from the railroad in 1992. He lived in the Havre area his entire life except for one year, which he spent in Dickinson, ND, and Livingston, MT, as a working supervisor and foreman during 1972-1973. Kermit enjoyed his work on the railroad but especially the people he met there.

Kermit was an active member of Calvary Baptist Church until it closed and then attended Community Alliance until his death. He was a member of the Montana Army National Guard, serving from 1953-1956, and then 1960-1965. He was active with the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts from 1972 – 1983 as an assistant Webelo leader and assistant scout master.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Sherman and Ronnie Loftus.

Kermit is survived by his wife, Loretta Loftus of Havre; sons, Dean (Lorie) Loftus of Wyoming, and Doran (Sally) Loftus of Havre; daughter, Diana (Gary) Greytak of Great Falls; six grandsons; three granddaughters; two great-grandchildren; brother Shane Loftus of Bridger, MT; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Kermit was always ready with a hello. He could remember names and places nobody else could, and loved to camp, hunt, and fish with family and friends until he physically wasn’t able to. Kermit always was ready for a ride in the country or a game of dominoes or cards. He will be greatly missed by family, friends and his Friday and Saturday gameplaying group. What we will miss most is the love and concern he had for those around him and the crushing bear hugs he gave to prove it.

Love you, Dad.