Clifford "Kip" Eugene Lof

Clifford Eugene “Kip” Lof, age 94, a lifelong resident of the Nevis-Park Rapids community, passed away on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at the Ecumen Cottages in Detroit Lakes, MN. 

Kip was born on December 8, 1929, at a logging camp near Emmaville, MN, on Mantrap Lake, the son of the late of Edwin and Eva (Sisco) Lof. He was raised on the family farm north of Park Rapids and graduated from Park Rapids High School in 1947. He served in the National Guard for over 15 years and was called up to active service during the Korean War in 1950. He was stationed in Japan and was a sargeant in the motor pool. He returned to Nevis and was united in marriage to Frances Rixen on June 10, 1951, at St. John’s Lutheran Church. They built two homes in Nevis and lived there until 1978 when they moved to the home they built closer to Park Rapids. During this time, Kip owned and operated Lof Lumber Company with Frances, retiring in 1979. He also bought and developed land in Hubbard County, building many year-round and summer homes in the area. He then worked at Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids for over 20 years with many of the oak items you see there handcrafted by him. He also served on several community boards and learned how to fly later in life as well as becoming proficient at creating with stained glass.

Kip is survived by his daughter, Connie Swan (Dean Bondhus); sons, Dr. Eugene Lof and Dr. Gregory Lof (Thomas Mutschler); 5 grandchildren, Catherine Swan (Erik Strege), Michael Swan, Laura Swan-Daley, Corey Hanson (Kane), and Morgan Gravel (Kevin); 6 great-grandchildren with 1 on the way; and sisters, Dorothy Sonnack and Lorraine Terlson; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Frances Lof; parents, Edwin and Eva Lof; brother, Roger Lof; and sister, Marlene Shortridge.