WILMAR–Loren Ahlstrand, 93, of Willmar, died Friday, January 31, 2025, at CentraCare Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar.

His funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 10, at Refuge Church in Willmar with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Hillside Cemetery in Minneapolis. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar, www.hafh.org.

Loren E. Ahlstrand was born on March 21,1931 in Minneapolis, MN to Harry and Ruth (Gustafson) Ahlstrand. He was raised and baptized at Bethlehem Baptist Church of Minneapolis. Loren graduated from Minnehaha Academy in 1949 and went on to graduate from the University of MN. He also served in the Naval Reserves.

Early in his career he worked at Honeywell as a Draftsman Supervisor. A businessman at heart, he would go on to build apartment complexes around the Metro area as well as other business ventures.

Loren met Addie, the love of his life, on a blind date and they would later marry on August 20,1955. Loren and Addie resided in the Twin Cities area while raising four children, moving to New Ulm, MN in 1972 to purchase the Red Onion drive-in. Eventually franchising with Kentucky Fried Chicken and Taco Bell in New Ulm and KFC in Hutchinson for 45 years. Loren and Addie later moved to Willmar, MN to be closer to their grandchildren Ethan and Lilly.

Loren loved to play golf with family and friends. He was always up for an adventure, whether it was traveling the world or a cross-country road trip, especially with those Pearson kids. He was still camping with his son Steve at the age of 90.

He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, his pride and joy. He always put his family first, we felt his love and knew we were his everything. We are truly blessed and are forever grateful. He has been reunited with our mom, whom he missed so much, and their Savior Jesus.

Loren is survived by his children: Steve, Kari (Bruce), Jolene and Beth (Charlotte); his grandchildren: Ethan (Amber), Lilly, and Bjorn. His sisters-in-law Barbra Berggren, Deno Sorrels, Becky Foss and Brothers-in-law Ray Foss and Jackson Baker; Nieces: Lori, Susan, Claudia, Priscilla, Julie, Angie, Jessica, and Becky; Nephews: Greg, Garry, Dan, Todd, Scott, Eric, Paul, Jason, Aaron, and Matthew. Cousins, Great Nieces, Great Nephews, dear friends and his loving little companion Sven. Grand dogs, Ginger, Theo and Blue, Grand cat Speck and bunny Cujo.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Elaine Webster, brothers-in-law Bob Webster, Don Berggren, Aaron Sorrels, and Claude Linder, Sisters-in-law Bernie Linder and Grace Baker. As well as so many dear lifelong friends.

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