Robert V. Lofgren

Robert V. Lofgren, 90, of Moline, IL, died Sunday, May 1, 2016, at Heartland Health Care Center, Moline, IL.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 5, 2016, at Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd., 6601 38th Avenue, Moline.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.  Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to the HAVlife Foundation.

Robert was born on May 22, 1925, in Moline, IL, the son of Vern and Lydia Koenig Lofgren.  He married Sylvia Tomlinson on November 30, 1952, in Osco, IL, and she preceded him in death on March 14, 2012.  He attended University of Illinois and later graduated from Augustana College.  He worked for Amatac in East Moline and Rock Island Lumber, where he was involved in the planning of over 200 houses in Rock Island County. Robert went on to work as a banker for Metro Bank in East Moline.  He loved walking to work every day and retired from the bank as Vice President.

Robert was a veteran, having proudly served in the United States Army during WWII.  During his time in the service, he was a member of the U.S. Army Air Corps Band, where he played the clarinet.

Robert was a member of First Baptist Church in Moline, where he served on several committees.  He was also a 50-year member of the East Moline Rotary, a 50-year Masonic member, and a member of Black Hawk Shrine Club.

Robert played music his whole life starting out with the clarinet, the saxophone, and the piano.  He was an accomplished pianist who organized a number of jazz and dance bands.  He had a one piece to an 18-piece ensemble and played with the Jack Manthy Orchestra.  Robert led the 1976 Bicentennial Celebration along with Bob Hope, Barbara McNair, and Bernadette Peters.  He loved big band music and was a long-time friend of Louie Bellson.  He not only played music, but wrote it as well, all by memory.

Survivors include his son, Jay (Lisa) Lofgren, Bettendorf, IA; daughters, Sheri Helmel, Bettendorf, IA, and Tracy (Steve) Pettett, East Moline, IL; grandchildren, Nicholas (Stacy) Lofgren, Kurtis, Kyle, Holly, Christopher, Brian; great granddaughters, Brielle and Adelina; very dedicated and caring brother, Wally (Shirley) Lofgren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Jenna; and sister, Shirley Lofgren.

The family would like to send a special thank you to Jo Moone and Cindy Patton.

Memories may be shared online by visiting esterdahl.com.