LOOTS, Karl

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, Arizona Published Thursday, February 21, 2008 Karl Loots, 82, passed away Thursday, Feb. 14, 2008, with his loving wife by his side. Karl was born Jan 31, 1926, in Palmer, Iowa to Ben and Lena Loots. He was raised in Fort Dodge, Iowa. On April 11, 1944, Karl joined the United States Marine Corps. He was sent to the Pacific with the 1st Marine Div. On April 1st, 1945 they hit Okinawa. On May 13th Karl was shot in the face and shoulder, he was flown to Guam. By the end of July they sent him back to his outfit on Okinawa. The 7th regiment from the 1st division was sent to China in October. Karl would spend the next six months there before being sent state side and discharged from the Marines in May of 1946. He met Eileen Holst and they were married on April 11, 1947. He was a partner with his dad and two brothers in a beer distribution company and two hotels. Later Karl split with his family and bought a beer distribution company in northwest Iowa's lake region. In 1972 Karl sold the company and a year later retired to Lake Havasu City with his wife. He sold the hotel in 1974. Karl was a member of the Moose lodge, Eagles, American Legions and was a lifetime member of the VFW, Disabled American Veterans and the Elks. He was preceded in death by his parents and both of his brothers. Karl is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Eileen Loots; three children, Rick (Mary) Loots, of Fayetteville, Ark., Karla Proffitt, of Fort Worth, Texas, and Jon Loots, of Janesville, Wis.; three grandchildren; Mason Proffitt, of Fort Worth, Eli Loots, of Oakland, Calif., and Jarrett Loots, of Seattle, Wash.; and one great-grand daughter, Kara Loots. Arrangements were made by Lake Havasu Mortuary and Crematory. Your thoughts and condolences can be sent to the family at www.lakehavasumortuary.com. Donations can be made in Karl Loots' name to Hospice of Havasu, P.O. Box 597, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86405.