Alvin James Lovgren, a longtime Manhattan business owner, passed away peacefully February 13, with his wife by his side.
Jim, as he was known by his family and many friends, was born in Old Randolph Kansas, December 28, 1931, the son of John and Agnes (Huber) Lovgren and moved to Manhattan as a child and spent his entire life as a member of the Manhattan community.
On December 20, 1953, Jim married the love of his life Donna Mae Kilner in Manhattan, KS. Together they enjoyed 70 years of marriage and raised three sons, Burt, Robert and Kurtis in the Manhattan community.
He entered the United States Navy on April 27, 1951, where he served his country on the USS Philippines Sea aircraft carrier for 4 years during the Korean War. Jim was honorably discharged on Aril 15, 1955, returning home to build a wonderful life with his wife Donna. He enjoyed memberships to the American Legion and VFW.
In 1955 Jim went to work for Powell Brothers Plumbing where he worked until 1987, when he became a partner of Midstate Mechanical, Inc. and worked at the business until he retired December 29, 2017, at the age of 86 years. He was a highly skilled and trusted member of the plumbing and pipe fitting industry and spent his career serving Manhattan and the surrounding communities. He was very proud of his employees and being able to work with his sons in the trade and teaching his grandsons the plumbing profession.
Jim lived an exceptional life. He adored his wife and deeply loved his sons. He was a kind and generous man. More than anything he loved spending time with his family especially the grandkids and great grandkids. Summer vacations, boating, camping and holidays were special times where he enjoyed the company of those, he loved the most. He was highly respected and deeply loved by his family and the many friends he made throughout the years.
For many years Jim was a proud supporter of Kansas State Football, KU Basketball and the Kansas City Chiefs and enjoyed watching his teams. Sunday evening, he watched his last game, getting to see the Chief’s win the Super Bowl.
He was proud of his 9 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren, as much as they were proud that he was their grandfather, and they are grateful for the many wonderful memories they have of times they spent together.
He was preceded in death by his great granddaughter Madilyn (Madie) Mall and his granddaughter Katelyn (Katie Belle) Lovgren. He was also predeceased by his 4 siblings: Susan (Susie) McNulty, Clara Lovgren, Frank (Gigs) Lovgren and Francis (Pansy) Couch.
He is survived by his wife Donna, of the home; sons Burt Lovgren (Patty), Bob Lovgren (Melodie) and Kurtis Lovgren (Lisa) all of Manhattan; 9 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
The family would appreciate your presence at a memorial service Thursday, February 22, 2024, to honor and remember Jim’s life. Visitation will be at 1:00 p.m. with service following at 2:30 p.m. at Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home in Manhattan. A private graveside service will take place at a later date.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Meadowlark Memory Program. Contributions may be sent in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.