Donald T. Loehr

Donald T. ”Bud” Loehr, 65, a life long resident of Starkweather, ND died on Tuesday, March 8, 2005 at Mercy Hospital, Devils Lake. Funeral Services for Donald will be on Friday, March 11, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. at the Trinity-Bergen Lutheran Church, Starkweather, ND. Rev. Robert Buechler will officiate and burial will be in the Methodist Cemetery, Starkweather, ND. Friends may call at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Thursday from 1:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation on Friday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral service. Serving as Casket Bearers will be: Vernon Bertsch, Don Bertsch, John Erickstad, Gene Braathen, DJ Dockter and Lowell Hunt. Music will be cared for by: DJ Dockter, Soloist and Carol Sue Pederson, Organist Donald T. Loehr was born on August 5, 1939 in Starkweather, ND the son of Dewitt and Cleo Belle (Paul) Loehr. Donald was born, reared, educated and lived and worked his entire life in Starkweather. He did move once but he only moved a few blocks on the same street. Bud graduated from Starkweather High School in 1957. He went to work at the Peavey Elevator for his first summer job and stayed there for 42 years. He served as the manager of the elevator until it closed in 1989. In 1991 he bought the elevator and renamed it the Starkweather Farm Supply. Bud had to close the business in 1998 due to health problems. Bud was united in marriage to Sylvia Werner on May 2, 1964 at Devils Lake. They established their home in Starkweather and lived, worked and raised their family through the years. Bud received many awards and commendations for his service and excellent management skills. In 1978, he was named Manager of the Year from the entire multi-state Peavey Company employees. Bud served as a City Police Officer, served on the City Council and also served with the Starkweather Fire Department for 30 years. He was a member of the Starkweather Booster Club and ran the basketball scoreboard at the Starkweather School for many years. Bud was a very active member of the Starkweather Methodist Church until it closed. In September of 2004, Bud and Sylvia joined Trinity-Bergen Lutheran Church. He was a life member of the Devils Lake Elks Lodge. Bud spent most of his time working but in his leisure time he enjoyed hunting and fishing. The time spent with his family and friends were always the most precious. Bud is survived by his wife of 40 years, Sylvia Children: Brian Loehr and his wife, Melissa of Grand Forks Steve Loehr and his wife, Doreen of Starkweather Sheryl Reeves and her husband, Robert of Lincoln, ND Grandchildren: Matt and Rachel Loehr, Grand Forks Kadie and Kari Loehr, Starkweather Michael Reeves, Lincoln Brothers: Clayton Loehr, Starkweather Lawrence (Em) Loehr, Littleton, Colorado Charles (Leona) Loehr, Freemont, Nebraska Ralph (Judy) Loehr, Stillwater, Minnesota Sisters: Lois (Bob) Fetch, Independence, Missouri Alice Sortland, Crosby, ND Catherine (Glen) Johnson, Towner, ND Special Canine Friend: Penny He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Bernice Loehr and Ethel Gilbertson; brothers, William, John, Leland and Cloyce Loehr. Friends may sign the on-line register book at www.gilbertsonfuneralhome.com