Loren Squires
Loren Maynard Squires, 87, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2023, in Carver. Loren resided in assisted living there since leaving his home in Bigfork in 2012.
Funeral services were held March 4, at Hosanna Church in Lakeville.
A private burial was held at Evergreen Hill Cemetery in Staples.
Loren was born September 28, 1935 to Charles and Clara (Wamsley) Squires in Steele, ND. The young family moved to Staples, where Loren and brother, Doug, enjoyed their young lives through high school.
He attended Wheaton College in Illinois in the music program where he met Sophia Elizabeth Hunter. Their marriage lasted from 1956-1982 and they had three children, Loren Maynard Squires, II, Katherine Anne (John) Luetke and David (De’Anna) Hunter Squires and children, Hunter and Francisco Squires.
It was during this time Loren began his wonderful journey at Burnsville High School as a choral music teacher for many years.
Loren was married to Ann Miller 1983-1986.
Loren eventually found his forever bride, Linda Marie Nelson and they had two children, Elizabeth Christine (Justin) Westplate, children, Harlow Rae and Wynter Quinn Squires; and Zachary Nelson (Kayla) Squires, children, Maleah and Octavia Marie.
Loren retired from teaching in 1997, but couldn’t stop that musical passion in his heart so he started up the South Metro Chorale.
In 2012, he and Linda retired to the beautiful north country town of Bigfork. They found their dream log cabin and even started a choir directing Showboat for Grand Rapids.
Loren’s love of music - whether it was directing or singing in many different choirs - was first and foremost in his life. He traveled all over the world with his family leading choirs and singers of all ages to places they could share their gift. He also enjoyed leading worship and playing the piano at church. Loren also enjoyed many outdoor activities, a peaceful day fishing on the lake or chopping wood, but his grandchildren brought the most joy into his life. He always found the time to talk about Jesus or sit and be a witness to anyone willing to receive Jesus into their hearts. He truly wanted to make the world a better place.
On Feb. 9, we received a phone call that Dad had a bad fall. He was in the early stages of dementia but was still very active in the community, with our family and even told the nurse at HCMC he was going to start a choir at the facility he was residing in.
Unfortunately, he suffered a spinal cord injury and his body quickly decided it wanted to go be with the Lord and be reunited with his wife, Linda, in Heaven.
He made it clear in the end that he wanted everyone to celebrate and not mourn, to rejoice and not weep.
Loren is survived by five children, Loren M. Squires, II, Katherine (John) Luetke, David (De’Anna) Squires, Elizabeth (Justin) Westplate and Zachary Squires; six grandchildren, Hunter, Francisco, Harlow, Wynter, Octavia and Maleah and one brother, Douglas Squires.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Linda; parents; one sister-in-law, Elaine Squires and mother-in-law, Mable Nelson.
In lieu of flowers, any donations made will go towards funeral expenses; we ask that you continue to spread the love, joy and music that Loren Maynard Squires so gifted to everyone throughout his amazing life.
Arrangements were by Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Staples.
w11c A00006B2023MR08
