Karlstad – Blanche Constance Lofstrom, 96, of Karlstad, passed away at Karlstad Senior Living, Karlstad, on Tuesday, January 10, 2023.
On July 8, 1926, Blanche was born to Hjalmer and Bertha (Banken) Blackberg of Strandquist. She attended school at New Maine Township, near their home, and graduated from Newfolden High School, Newfolden in 1944.
On October 17, 1949, Blanche was united in marriage to Elmer Lofstrom. They began farming near Strandquist, moving from there to rural Strathcona. They raised cattle and horses, baling hay and oats supplying feed for the animals. They moved to Karlstad in 1976. In 1996, Elmer passed, and Blanche continued to live in the home until 2019.
Blanche was known as a quiet and gentle person who liked visiting with friends. She loved country music and enjoyed playing guitar both at home and, at times, in public. She enjoyed many different forms of crafts—knitting, crocheting, cross stitching, jigsaw puzzles, and word search puzzles. Blanche truly enjoyed caring for her family—cooking, cleaning, and training them to care for themselves. She lived a long and fulfilling life.
Blanche is survived by her children: Sheryl (Vernon) Foss, Roseau, Joni (Andy) Schindler, Warroad, Wendy Hallberg, Karlstad, and Daryl (Doreen) Lofstrom, Grand Forks, ND; eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren; several cousins, nephews, and nieces.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Elmer Lofstrom; brother, Morris Blackberg; and sister, Delphine Sorum; son-in-law, Robert Hallberg; and niece, Sandra Sorum.
Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 21, 2023, at Johnson Funeral Services Chapel, Thief River Falls.
The visitation will be one hour before the service.
Lunch will follow the service and burial will be at Bethesda Cemetery, rural Strandquist.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com.
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