Noel F. Lofthus, 76, of McVille , ND died Sunday, May 31, 2009 at the Nelson County Health System –Hospital in McVille.

Noel was born May 29, 1933 in McVille to Richard and Hilda (Olson) Lofthus.  He attended school in McVille and graduated from NDSU in Fargo , ND .

Noel served in the U.S. Army from 1958 to 1959.

Noel taught Vocational Education in Leeds, ND and also in Northwood, ND, where he met his future wife, Darlene Stegman who also taught third grade there. Noel and Darlene were married on June 27, 1964 at the United Lutheran Church in Cavalier, ND. 

Noel and Darlene were blessed with three children, and after farming with his father for a time, they lived for two years in Littleton , Colorado , where Noel worked in irrigation, landscaping, and teaching Vocational Agriculture. They moved back to the family farm where he continued farming and raising cattle until his retirement.

Noel served on the Nelson County Commission for nineteen and one-half years, and on several boards and committees including the Nelson County Social Service Board and on the McVille School Board.  He was active in his church teaching Sunday School and serving on various Boards.

Upon retirement, Noel and Darlene spent much time traveling and visiting family across the United States . They enjoyed wintering in Apache Junction, Arizona for several years, and he also worked seasonally for Hoverson Farms in Larimore , ND during his retirement. 

He is survived by his wife Darlene, who resides in McVille. Noel is also survived by one daughter: LeahRae (Glenn) Amundson of East Grand Forks, MN, two sons: Daniel of Woodbury, MN, and Mark (Alexandra) of St. Paul, MN; two grandchildren, Nathan Wasvick and Connor Amundson, brother: Robert Lofthus of Grand Forks, ND and sister: Eva (Carl) Andersen of Fargo, ND and Mesa, Arizona. 

Noel was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters: June (Walt) Dobler and Norma Lofthus, and a brother: Bjorn Lofthus.

Funeral services for Noel will be Thursday, June 4, 2009 at 11:00 AM in the New Luther Valley Lutheran Church of McVille. Visitation will be Wednesday, June 3, 2009 from 5 PM to 7 PM with a 7:30 PM prayer service all at New Luther Valley Lutheran Church in McVille. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services in the church on Thursday morning.  Interment will be in the New Luther Valley Cemetery, rural McVille. Arrangements with the Stanley-Iverson Funeral Home. 

Memorials are preferred to the Nelson County Health System; Altru Hospice; New Luther Valley Lutheran Church .