Loren Robert McFarland
Loren Robert McFarland, Age 95, of Drayton, North Dakota, passed away at his home on Thursday, September 8, 2011, under the care of Grafton Altru Hospice.
- Loren Robert McFarland
Loren Robert McFarland
Loren Robert McFarland, Age 95, of Drayton, North Dakota, passed away at his home on Thursday, September 8, 2011, under the care of Grafton Altru Hospice.
Loren was born the son of Samuel Thomas and Harriet June (Turner) McFarland on July 1, 1916 in Roosevelt, MN. At the age of nine, his family moved to Bellingham, WA, Lake Whatcom, on the shores of Silver Beach. He was raised with an older sister, Mary Adelaide (who died at the age of 18), an older brother Joseph Turner and a younger brother Samuel Keith. Their home was centered on Christ and filled with music, poetry, books, sports and love of the sea.
Loren was an outstanding student at Fairhaven High School where he excelled in his studies, drama, football, track and tennis. He was an avid diver and swimmer throughout his life. Following graduation in 1934, Loren hitchhiked and rode the rails (hopped the freight cars) to the Chicago World's Fair.
Upon leaving Chicago he journeyed to Drayton, ND (via the same means) to visit special cousins from his youth. It was there he met his sweetheart Pearl through an introduction from Leslie and Mary Bates. He continued his education studying carpentry in Bellingham.
On May 4, 1938 Loren married Pearl Landis Anderson in Drayton. Two children were born to their marriage, Dennis Robert and six years later, Joyce Violet. Loren and Pearl lived in Seattle during WWII where Loren worked at Boeing Aircraft. While in Seattle, Loren built a home for his family. In 1944 the couple moved to Drayton, ND and purchased land west of town.
Loren and Pearl traveled extensively. The couple danced every chance they had, from Ballroom to Cha-Cha to Square dance and Line dancing.
Side-by-side, Loren and Pearl farmed small grains and sugarbeets for many decades. Loren worked as a carpenter at the missile bases near Nekoma, at American Crystal Sugar (when they first opened) and other jobs in Grand Forks and Mesa, Arizona, to supplement their farm income. In 1972 they began spending their winters in Mesa.
Loren was an active member of Drayton United Methodist Church. He was a loyal member of the Carpenters Union. He held many offices and served on the board of directors of several organizations including the Drayton Township board, the Fraternal Order of Odd Fellows, Pembina County Farmers Union, Farmers Union Elevator and was a past director of the Rural Electric Association.
Survivors include his precious wife of 73 years, Pearl; daughter Joyce McFarland; daughter-in-law Lorna McFarland; seven grandchildren: Melanie McFarland, Red Lake Falls, MN, Crystal (Todd) Beckman, Sioux Falls, SD, Nathanial (Angelique) Hilton, Twin Valley, MN, Shaun (Lisa) McFarland, Wilmar, MN, Janelle Hilton, Newport Beach, CA, Matthew (special friend Karen) Hilton, Drayton, ND and Tyler (Christie) McFarland, Grand Forks, ND; great grandchildren: Ellie, Mollie, Cody, Montanna and Reilly; great step grandchildren: Tim, Cody, Trysta, Tierra and Robert.
Loren was preceded in death by his beloved son, Dennis, on September 5, 1996; his parents; sister; brothers; his in laws Elmer and Violet Anderson; son-in-law Roger Hilton; brother-in-law Henry Landis and sister-in-law Marilyn McFarland.
An Irish Wake will be held at the Austin Funeral Home in Drayton, ND on Friday, September 23, 2011 from 6-8 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m.
Funeral Services will be held Saturday, September 24, 2011 at 11 a.m. at Drayton United Methodist Church, Drayton, ND.
Austin Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Tags: obituaries
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