Loren Toennies, 89, of Cresbard, passed away Saturday, September 17, 2016 at the Faulkton Senior Living, where he has resided since January of 2014. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, September 22, 2016 at the United Methodist Church, Cresbard, with Pastor David Birkeland presiding. Burial followed in the Cresbard Cemetery. On-condolences may be left at the Luce Funeral Home website

Loren Elmer Toennies was born at home on August 8, 1927 to Walter and Lillian (Bowers) Toennies. He grew up on the family farm and attended school in Cresbard, graduating in 1945.

On June 11, 1950, Loren was united in marriage to Lucille Spanier. They made their home one mile south of the “home place”; raising kids, crops and livestock.

He was a longtime member of the Cresbard United Methodist Church, the United Methodist Men, served as a Sunday school teacher, was a 60+ year member of the AF & AM Masonic Lodge, was past master and noble grand of the Odd Fellows Lodge in Cresbard and Faulkton, belonged to the National Farmers Organization, and served on the Township board, the FHA Board and the Wecota Cenex Board.

Loren will be dearly held in the hearts of his family and friends for his love of farm life, tilling the earth, bringing in the harvest, and tending to his herds and flocks. He had a God-given gift of conversation, and particularly enjoyed talking about farming.

Loren’s memory will be cherished by his wife of 66 years, Lucille of Cresbard; sons: Gerald (Judy) and Gene (Sylvia Salwei) of Cresbard and Mark (Kelly) of Faulkton; daughter, Lorie (David) Miller of Sioux Falls; 19 grandchildren; 49 great-grandchildren; sister, Gladys Gjernes of Chelsea; sisters-in-law, Judy Toennies of Cresbard and Arlene (Leon) Smith of Northville; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was welcomed into his eternal home by his parents; mother and father-in-law: Henry and Gladys Spanier; son, Dean Toennies; granddaughter, Amy Toennies; great grandson, Everett Kallas; brother, Merlvin Toennies; and brother-in-law, Joie Gjernes.