Rodger "The Colonel" E. Loofboro

Rodger E. Loofboro, “The Colonel” age 86, passed away Monday, July 29, 2024, at his home in rural New Auburn. He was born on October 27, 1937, in New Auburn to Leo and Hazel (Lane) Loofboro. He married Mayo J. Fuss on August 5, 1957, at the 7th Day Baptist Church in New Auburn.

Rodger started off young at the age of 12 years old as an auctioneer, auctioning off pies. In 1969, he graduated from auctioneer school in Mason City, Iowa. He continued traveling the countryside auctioning off other people’s treasures well into his 80’s and met many friends along the way. Rodger worked at Jerome Foods in Barron with Mayo, was a certified welder, hauled cattle, worked at the McFarland Feed Mill, worked at the New Auburn Schools as a custodian and also drove school bus for both New Auburn and Bloomer school districts. Rodger was a very kind man who was always willing to lend a hand. He led his life as a model Christian and was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses late in life, in his 70’s. He enjoyed hunting and spending many hours cutting wood and tending to his vegetable garden.

He is survived by his children: Craig (Becky) Loofboro of Sand Creek, Julie (Tom) Foiles of Jim Falls, Scott (Kim) Loofboro of New Auburn and Laurie (Wayne) Metcalf of New Auburn; 10 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Leo and Hazel Loofboro; wife: Mayo Loofboro in 2021; son: Randall “Randy” Loofboro; sisters: Rowena Edwards, Iola Ling, Leila Loofboro, Winnifred Martinson; brothers: John, Elmer, Wynan and Norman Loofboro; and special nephew: Darrin Loofboro.

Memorial service will be held at 3:00 pm, on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 20232 80th St. in Bloomer with a meal and fellowship to follow at the New Auburn School 704 N. East St. in New Auburn. Olson Funeral Home in Bloomer is assisting the family.