Loren D. Wignes

Loren Dale Wignes, 92, of Moorhead, MN passed away quietly on May 29, 2018 at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Fargo with Gladys, his wife of 51 years, at his side.

Born on April 2, 1926 in Farwell, MN, he was one of eight children born to Ruth (Cawelti) and A.J. Wignes.  Upon graduating from high school in 1944 at Northwood, IA, he enlisted in the Navy, ultimately serving on the USS Hyde in the South Pacific during the final year of WWII. After attending Wartburg College, he began his career in Creamery management, at Ventura, IA, Rose City, MN, Hawley, MN, Cass-Clay in Fargo, and Pelican-Lakes Dairy Cooperative (milk drying plant) in Detroit Lakes, MN.  In the mid 1970’s, he chose to leave the industry to fulfill his dream of owning a resort on a Minnesota lake.  He and Gladys nurtured the growth of “Le Homme Land Resort” near Alexandria for 10 years.  After selling the resort, they continued to enjoy living life on lakes:  first Taylor Lake at Alexandria, then to the Park Rapids area to Lake Bell Taine, and finally Lower Bottle Lake.  He managed the L & M Fleet Supply Store in Park Rapids until retirement.

He married his life partner, Gladys (Jacobsen Dahl), in 1967. They were inseparable, enjoying an active life together square dancing, traveling, fishing, golfing, biking, bird watching, and simply enjoying nature. His wood carvings reflected his love of birds and animals, as well as mythical gnomes and human western caricatures.

Besides his wife, Gladys, he is survived by son Steve Wignes (Betty), daughter Rebecca Smith (Jeff Quam), step-son Denis Dahl (Donna), step-daughters Diane Walks and Cindy Dahl (Arlis Beto), many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Loren was preceded in death by his siblings Stan and Lyle Wignes, Lois Jean Noe, and step-son Gary Dahl.

Memorials may be directed to Minnesota Conservation Volunteer.

His memorial service will be on Friday, June 8, 2018, at 3:00 P.M. in Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, with visitation one hour before the service.