Paul Lofthus

Paul D. Lofthus, 66, Grand Forks North Dakota, died Thursday, November 2, 2023 in Sanford Hospital, Fargo, North Dakota. 

Paul Dennis Lofthus was born on May 1, 1957, to Robert and Mavis (Billings) Lofthus in Michigan, ND. He grew up on the family farm in rural McVille with his five brothers. Paul graduated from McVille High School where he was active in music, drama, speech, and athletics. He later graduated from The University of North Dakota with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. He married Denise (Johnson) in 1982. They had two sons, Richard and Brett. 

Paul was a teacher in Grand Forks, ND for many years. He was beloved by students, families, and staff. Paul served in the ND Army National Guard, attending basic training with his brothers Jeff and Phil. He was proud to be appointed to the ND Teachers Retirement Board. Paul served on the local board for his Education Association. He was a coach and mentor for many youth sports and activities. Paul enjoyed golf, hunting, cooking, helping out at Sander’s Restaurant, watching, playing, and talking about sports, but most of all he enjoyed the peacefulness of fishing. All of these favorite pastimes were passed on to his family. 

Paul is survived by his sons,  Richard (Nicole), Minneapolis, MN, Brett (Hailey) and granddaughter Olivia, Grand Forks, ND;  his ex-wife Denise, Grand Forks;  brothers, Richard (Yankton, SD), Jeffrey (Juneau, AK), Russell (Nancy) Sioux Falls, SD, David (Susie), Metairie, LA, Philip (Kimberly), Pipestone, MN;  his aunts Darlene Lofthus, Grand Forks, and Sally Lofthus, Nampa, ID; mother-in-law Bernice Johnson (Grand Forks); brothers-in-law Michael Johnson (Cocoa Beach, FL), Christopher (Andrea), (Cape Canaveral, FL);  sister-in-law Cynthia Purfeerst, Rosemount, MN; and several precious nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Mavis Lofthus, and his father-in-law, Peter Johnson.

Paul was loved by his family and friends and will forever be in our hearts.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. Memorial Service on Sunday, November 12, 2023 in Amundson Funeral Home, 2975 S. 42nd St., Grand Forks. 

Memorials are suggested to Grand Forks Foundation for Education