Alphons Ernest Lofstrom

Ernest "Alphons" Lofstrom, lifetime resident of Grovedale, passed away peacefully at the QE II Hospital on Saturday, September 5, 1998 at the age of 87 years.

He was born in Melfort, Sask., on July 8, 1911. He first came to the Peace Country in 1928 with his father, Jonas. They had heard of the homestead land available across the river from Wembley known as South Wapiti.

They crossed the river and chose some land for themselves and Morris who was waiting for them in Saskatchewan.

In March of 1929, after building a cabin on their land, they headed back to Saskatchewan. When they returned in the fall of 1929, Morris was with them and they began the task of clearing their land with nothing more than an axe and a lot of hard work.

Alphons left the farm in 1941 to work in an airplane factory in Fort Erie, Ont. When he returned in 1942, his draft for the army was waiting for him and he headed overseas. When Alphons returned after the war had ended in 1945, he and Morris continued to farm together, as by this time they had quite a few acres under cultivation.

Alphons and Lois were married August 8, 1952. Their life together was centered around their farm and two children, Edna and Jim. Over the years they were involved in many aspect of farming; beef cattle, dairy cows, chickens and hogs.

Alphons is survived by his wife of 46 years, Lois of Grovedale; two children, Edna (Gordon) Ingledew of Grande Prairie and Jim (Diane) Lofstrom of Grovedale; three grandchildren, Tracy (Mike) Laurin of Grande Prairie, Gordie Ingledew of Grande Prairie, and Micheal Lofstrom of Grovedale. He also leaves behind two very special great-grandchildren, Jessica "Bessie" and Natashia Laurin. Alphons is also survived by sister, Myrtle Eng of Grande Prairie.

He was predeceased by four brothers: Leo, George, Harold, and Morris, and by one sister, Henny.

Funeral service will be held on Wednesday September 9, 1998 at 2 p.m. from Grovedale Community Hall with Pastor Vern Begalke officiating. Internment to follow in Grovedale Cemetery.

Donations, if friends desire, may be made to the Q.E. II Hospital Foundation, Mackenzie Place, CNIB or a charity of one's choice.

Oliver's Grande Prairie Funeral Chapel

10005-107 Ave., Grande Prairie