Kennard Loveland

Kennard John Loveland, son of Robert and Audrey (Espeset) Loveland, was born on December 3, 1946 in Estherville, Iowa.  In 1964, Ken graduated from Kasson High School where he was an accomplished athlete in both football and track.  It is here that he also met his high school sweetheart, Sharon Erath, whom he later married on June 4, 1966.

Ken attended Luther College and graduated from Mankato State University with a degree in teaching.  Ken taught biology and was the head football and track coach in Granite Falls, MN until 1974 when he became a pharmaceutical sales representative for Pfizer. For nearly 40 years, Ken traveled the greater regions of Minnesota, Iowa and South Dakota where he took pride in meeting and helping people with their healthcare needs.  Ken always had time to mentor any young salesperson who asked for advice.  He was more than happy to teach anyone who wanted to learn.

Ken and Sharon raised two children, Joel and Trisha, with a strong commitment to family, morals and values.  The Lovelands lived in Luverne, MN before moving to Hutchinson, MN and were able to spend their summers at their cabin on Lake Carlos near Alexandria.  In later years, they sold their Hutchinson home and made their permanent home on Lake Carlos.  Ken’s true home was at the lake with his family.  Ken loved being on the water, ideally teaching someone to ski or pulling a tube full of kids.

At his core, Ken was a family man who did everything in his power to provide for those around him.  He worked and lived for his wife, children, and grandchildren.  He was a coach on several of his children’s sports teams.  If he wasn’t coaching, he could be seen cheering in the stands at every game and practice.  This support continued with his beloved grandchildren.  He also enjoyed hunting, fishing and taking his family on warm weather vacations, preferably near an ocean.

Ken spent his last four months at The Wellstead of Rogers and died on Friday, October 27, 2017.  He fought Alzheimer’s disease with his every being and still did his best to supply those around him with a hug and his patented smile.  Ken was often described as larger than life and will be remembered as a loving husband, father and mentor.

He is survived by his son, Joel (Jillian) Loveland of Alexandria; daughter, Trisha (Ben) Fisher of Maple Grove; grandchildren: Alyssa, Alayna, Ariyanna, Chelsea, Tyler; brothers: James (Carmen) Loveland of Mason City, Iowa, Steven (Cindy) Loveland of Colfax, Iowa and David Loveland of Marshalltown, Iowa; sisters, Margaret (Dan) Wolfe of Marshalltown, Iowa and Beth (Dan) Smith of Melbourne, Iowa; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon Loveland; daughter, Jennifer; and his parents.

A Memorial service will be held on Thursday, November 2, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Calvary Lutheran Church in Alexandria.  Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.  Memorials can be submitted to the Alzheimer’s Association or to the family for delegation.