Loren Andrew Bamford

Loren Bamford, age 101, passed away Friday, October 24, 2014 at the Rehabilation Center of Belmond.

Loren Andrew was born on November 16, 1912 to Percy J. and Emma Mathilda (Hanson) Bamford north of Belmond. He grew up in the Belmond area where he attended school. Loren graduated from Belmond High School in 1929. Loren then began his life long passion of farming. His equipment always had to be John Deere. He raised Black Angus cattle, horses, and Shetland ponies.

On March 21, 1942, he married Lirlene Oppedal, and the couple farmed and raised their family on land north of Belmond, resding there until they moved into town in 1999. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and was a lifelong Democrat and served on the Election Board for many years.

Surviving Loren, grateful for the joy he gave them, daughters Janice Crawford of Belmond, Merry Heilmann (Steve) of Afton, MN; son Paul Bamford of Belmond, Brazilian "son" Paulo Canineu (Maria) and their family; 10 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; four nieces; and numerous other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife of 61 years Lirlene in 2003; siblings Lola, Carroll, Grace, Leota.