Loren Nifong, 74, passed away unexpectedly on Friday morning, March 30, 2012, at Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne, IN.
Born at home on April 13, 1937, Loren was the son of John Cyrus and Loretta (Harley) Nifong.
Loren graduated from West High School in 1955. He was a 10-year 4-H member and had fond memories of showing the family Holsteins regionally and at the Indiana State Fair.
Loren married his lifelong partner, Shirley J. (Johnson) Nifong in Plymouth on April 2, 1961. They were blessed with two children, Lorna (Nifong) Shively and John Nifong.
Widely known for his strong work ethic, he was a full-time livestock and crop farmer. Along with farming, Loren drove bus 50 years for the Plymouth community Schools. He loved the kids and often adopted their problems as his own. Most Saturdays found Loren either hauling kids or livestock.
Loren never knew a stranger and will be long remembered for his honesty and generosity toward others.
A man of many talents, Loren served as song leader at the Union Church of the Brethren. He was a man of strong faith who enjoyed simple things: good conversation, laughter, crops growing and calves playing.
Loren loved his children and grandchildren unconditionally. He enjoyed watching John drag race, Lorna and Taylor show horses and Jennah play basketball. He enjoyed watching the PHS band kids and was an avid boys and girls basketball fan.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley and their daughter, Lorna and son John and daughter- in-law, Kim.
His grandchildren are: Johnathan A. Nifong, Taylor Loren Shively and Jennah Diane Nifong. A great-grandson, Holten Michael Nifong survives as well.
Three brothers also survive: Larry, Ron and Ross Nifong. He was preceded in death by his parents and two nieces.
Friends are invited to share memories with his family on Tuesday, April 3, 2012, from 3 – 8 p.m. in the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth.
Funeral services for Loren will be held on Wednesday, April 4, 2012, at 11 a.m. in the Union Church of the Brethren, 10483 State Road 17, Plymouth where visitation will continue one hour prior to services. Revs. Sam Han and Brandon Schadek will officiate.
Burial will follow at New Oakhill Cemetery, Plymouth.
Memorial gifts in Loren’s memory may be made to the Church or 4H Horse & Pony Program, 114 W. Jefferson St., Plymouth, IN 46563
Terry & Debbie Peregrine says
My husband and I send our condolences to Lorens Family. He was a dear and true gentleman.
nancy breeding says
Keith & I want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Loren was a great friend
to the Breeding family and a very speical man. We will miss him! I pray that the God will hold you extra close in the days to come. I hope that the good memories you have of Loren will help to ease the sorrow you are feeling right now. Please know that we are here for you if you need any thing just ask.
Keith, Nancy, Dustin, Jason Breeding
Dena McLochlin says
We are so sorry for your loss. Praying for your family …
The McLochlin Family
D.J. & Rhonda Frost says
We are so very sorry to hear about Loren\’s passing. He was a great man! You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Mike and Pat McQuisten says
Our deepest sympathy to your family. Loren was such a kind and gentle soul, he always had time to stop and talk or lend a hand to a friend and never expected anything in return. I will miss seeing him on the road riding his tractor and throwing up a hello as we passed by. Loren was a wonderful person and he had a heart of gold. may God hold you all close to him in your time of heartache..
Kenneth Pearish says
Sorry for your loss Loren will be greatly missed by everyone whose lives he touched
Ken and Samantha Pearish
Michele Mansfield says
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. May you find peace in the knowledge that your husband, father, grandfather, and friend is now in a place of no more sorrow, no more tears, no more pain, no more death…the old things have passed away. May Loren\’s life of service serve as an inspiration to others; may his passing serve as a reminder to the living that the greatest happiness and peace is found in faith alone in Christ alone.
Love,
Dennis, Michele & Alison Mansfield
Jan Wagoner says
Loren always remembered me from his bus route, then I used to see him when Lorna and Taylor showed horses. He had a quick smile and a kind word. He will be missed.
Duane and Rosemary Walterhouse says
Shirley,
Duane and I were saddened to hear about Loren. May God wrap his loving arms around you and your family. His love is greater than anything. God Bless
Janet Heiser Kruk says
To Shirley and family,
Our sympathy to you and your extended family. My mom, Hazel Heiser, also sends her condolences. He never forgot my mom and she always enjoyed hearing from him. Loren was truly a kind and thoughtful person to everyone. May the many fond memories of him bring peace and healing to your hearts.
In sympathy,
Janet (Heiser) and Roger Kruk
Paula Gaumer Tooke says
Kim, John and Jennah.
Sending our sympathies to you in the loss of John\’s father. Thinking about all of you at this time.
Paula and Gene Tooke
Ed & Nola Workman says
We were saddened to hear of Loren\’s unexpected death. We\’re praying that each of you will be comforted by the Lord in a special way during this time of sorrow. Your family was remembered in prayer this morning at our church – and it was so good to be able to tell them that we know Loren is in a better place now.
Roberta Ancil says
Lorna, so sorry for your loss. You, Taylor and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Angie Bryant Kain says
I am so sorry for your family\’s loss. Loren was a one of a kind, He was hard working and a man of faith. He only drove bus for my Son this year but he was an amazing man. My son will miss his as will so many.
Kathi Baxter says
Lorna,
I am so sorry to read of your father\’s passing. Praying like so many, for you and your family.
Even though I haven\’t seen you in years, I am glad to hear you and Taylor are still showing horses.
I am sure that I met your parents at a show in Logansport when Taylor was a baby.
God bless and comfort all of you. I know He will.
Love,
Kathi Baxter
Marion Welsh says
Lorna….my heart breaks for you, Taylor, and your family…..I know from our many conversations these past few years, how instrumental your dad was to your life….know that I love you and keeping you in my prayers. Take care.
Susan Weybright says
Shirley and Family,
It is with both sadness and fondness that I remember the days at the Union church when Loren was a part of our little youth group. Even then, he showed his commitment to follow in the steps of Jesus. A true friend to everyone.
My prayers are with you these days as you adjust to the suddenness of life without his physical presence. May you feel God\’s love — and Loren\’s — beaming through your sadness.
Susie Brubaker Weybright
Wendy (Ray) and Fred Berkeypile says
John, Wishing you peace to bring you comfort, Courage to face the days ahead, and loving memories to hold forever in your heart! We are thinking of you and your family.. Loren was a good man.. with a kind heart, and never failed to ask about our family… he always had a friendly nod, and a wave through passing…he will be sadly missed! God bless you and your family..
rick anders says
Yje Anders\’s family are so very sorry to hear about Loren\’s passing. He was a great man! You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Donna Whitmer says
Dear Shirley & Family,
Sending you prayers and condolences at this horrible time. Loren will be missed by all who knew him. May he soar with the angels!
Donna Whitmer
Gene Alan Mc Neal Jr. says
Loren was a very nice man. Fun times riding his bus. Growing up helpping Loren bail hay and work around the farm are great times for me. After I became a grown man we always stayed in touch. And he would stop in and check up on me. He stayed on me about things to make sure I remembered how much he loved me. Loren gave me advice on naming my youngest daughter which made the best sense. He will always be in my heart. I will dearly miss him.
Vincent Glose says
I will not be able to attend the wake or funeral as I am out of town. But I would like to extend my sympathies to his wife, children, and the entire family on this sudden tragic event. He is a good friend of mine. I have known him for many years. May he rest in peace.
Sincerely,
Vincent Glose
Rosie Snyder says
Shirley and family, I am sorry for your loss. Loren will be greatly missed. I appreciated him when he was my children\’s bus driver. You will be in my prayers. Rosie Snyder
Taylor Loren Shively says
Grandpa Loren was quite a guy! I love you grandpa, and im so sad that you and I can\’t have our weekendly hauls to the sale barns! That was so fun grandpa! We all miss you Grandpa! Grandma is staying strong like normal! I\’ll keep her behaving on good terms..lol. All of us love you. Massy Tractors Rock the World! Love, Taylor.
Bernece Pomeroy says
Loren was so kind and helpful to me when my brother lee Sporner passed away in 2001.
I am sorry for your loss
Bernece Sporner Pomeroy
John & Linda Sweany says
Lorna,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. I know how special your relationship with your Dad was in your life. You inherited his work ethics and family committments. He touched so many people with his constant giving of both his time and talents. May it comfort you to know how many people share in your sorrow, and your memories will keep him alive forever in your heart. Love John & Linda
Mandy Mitchell says
I\’m sooo sorry to hear about Loren. Loren, Shirley and the kids are very close and dear to me and my family. Loren helped my grandpa Russ every chance he could, he was a great man. Loren will be deeply missed by all!!
Tracy Huff Casey says
I am very sorry to hear of Loren\’s passing… He was a wonderful man who truely cared about the kids on his bus and everyone he met… My prayers go out to his entire family in this very difficult time…
Tracy Huff Casey
Linda Whitt says
I will always remember Loren, from being a lil bitty girl with my Dad and brother, to riding the bus and those tractors out on Lincoln Highway that took the whole road up in my teenage years, when you were always in a hurry and there was Loren , lol…. . He had a heart of gold and always there to help out if he could.
My thoughts and prayers are with you the family and remember the good times, the laughter the love ~
Linda ( Eckert ) Whitt
Jim Spiek says
John, and family, Loren always kept me on my toes at the parts store. I do believe he actually trained me to do my job now serving the farmers of LaPorte county. I\’ll surely miss him.
Mark Dollinger says
Lorna and family you are in my thoughts and prayers. My deepest sympathy to your family and may God comfort and strengthen you in this difficult time.
Connie Gibbs says
Lorna and family,
So sorry to here of your dad\’s passing. Sending prayers for you all.
Tina DeHaan says
Shirley, Lorna and Taylor,
I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember him as a great person with a big heart and a smile on his face while he watched the horse show and cheered the kids on. Deepest condolences to your family during your time of sorrow.
Diana Pyle says
I\’m am deeply saddened to learn of Loren\’s passing. The entire Nifong family is in my prayers and thoughts at this time. Both Shirley and Loren have always been so kind to me when I was in Plymouth visiting with Kim, John and Jennah.
Derek and Jodi Eveland says
Nifong Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Both Derek and I remember Loren when we were students at West and he drove bus. Our recent memories of Loren consisted of visiting with him while watching our daughter, Bailey, and Jennah play basketball. I also enjoyed our conversations when he drove for 6th grade volleyball while I was coaching. He will be missed.
Derek and Jodi Eveland
Sherri Sharpe says
Lorna and Family,
I am sorry for your loss. I know you will have many wonderful memories of your dad and the years spent together. I pray for your comfort in knowing he lived a wonderful life.
Robert L. Gross says
Dear Shirley, Lorena, John, & Families,
Sorry to hear of Loren\’s passing. He was a Big Brother, in the neighborhood. Listening to your situation, and trying to help. He will be missed.
Robert L. Gross
Marjorie I. Gross
Terry & Debbie Peregrine says
My husband and I send our condolences to Lorens Family. He was a dear and true gentleman.
nancy breeding says
Keith & I want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Loren was a great friend
to the Breeding family and a very speical man. We will miss him! I pray that the God will hold you extra close in the days to come. I hope that the good memories you have of Loren will help to ease the sorrow you are feeling right now. Please know that we are here for you if you need any thing just ask.
Keith, Nancy, Dustin, Jason Breeding
Dena McLochlin says
We are so sorry for your loss. Praying for your family …
The McLochlin Family
D.J. & Rhonda Frost says
We are so very sorry to hear about Loren\’s passing. He was a great man! You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Mike and Pat McQuisten says
Our deepest sympathy to your family. Loren was such a kind and gentle soul, he always had time to stop and talk or lend a hand to a friend and never expected anything in return. I will miss seeing him on the road riding his tractor and throwing up a hello as we passed by. Loren was a wonderful person and he had a heart of gold. may God hold you all close to him in your time of heartache..
Kenneth Pearish says
Sorry for your loss Loren will be greatly missed by everyone whose lives he touched
Ken and Samantha Pearish
Michele Mansfield says
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. May you find peace in the knowledge that your husband, father, grandfather, and friend is now in a place of no more sorrow, no more tears, no more pain, no more death…the old things have passed away. May Loren\’s life of service serve as an inspiration to others; may his passing serve as a reminder to the living that the greatest happiness and peace is found in faith alone in Christ alone.
Love,
Dennis, Michele & Alison Mansfield
Jan Wagoner says
Loren always remembered me from his bus route, then I used to see him when Lorna and Taylor showed horses. He had a quick smile and a kind word. He will be missed.
Duane and Rosemary Walterhouse says
Shirley,
Duane and I were saddened to hear about Loren. May God wrap his loving arms around you and your family. His love is greater than anything. God Bless
Janet Heiser Kruk says
To Shirley and family,
Our sympathy to you and your extended family. My mom, Hazel Heiser, also sends her condolences. He never forgot my mom and she always enjoyed hearing from him. Loren was truly a kind and thoughtful person to everyone. May the many fond memories of him bring peace and healing to your hearts.
In sympathy,
Janet (Heiser) and Roger Kruk
Paula Gaumer Tooke says
Kim, John and Jennah.
Sending our sympathies to you in the loss of John\’s father. Thinking about all of you at this time.
Paula and Gene Tooke
Ed & Nola Workman says
We were saddened to hear of Loren\’s unexpected death. We\’re praying that each of you will be comforted by the Lord in a special way during this time of sorrow. Your family was remembered in prayer this morning at our church – and it was so good to be able to tell them that we know Loren is in a better place now.
Roberta Ancil says
Lorna, so sorry for your loss. You, Taylor and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Angie Bryant Kain says
I am so sorry for your family\’s loss. Loren was a one of a kind, He was hard working and a man of faith. He only drove bus for my Son this year but he was an amazing man. My son will miss his as will so many.
Kathi Baxter says
Lorna,
I am so sorry to read of your father\’s passing. Praying like so many, for you and your family.
Even though I haven\’t seen you in years, I am glad to hear you and Taylor are still showing horses.
I am sure that I met your parents at a show in Logansport when Taylor was a baby.
God bless and comfort all of you. I know He will.
Love,
Kathi Baxter
Marion Welsh says
Lorna….my heart breaks for you, Taylor, and your family…..I know from our many conversations these past few years, how instrumental your dad was to your life….know that I love you and keeping you in my prayers. Take care.
Susan Weybright says
Shirley and Family,
It is with both sadness and fondness that I remember the days at the Union church when Loren was a part of our little youth group. Even then, he showed his commitment to follow in the steps of Jesus. A true friend to everyone.
My prayers are with you these days as you adjust to the suddenness of life without his physical presence. May you feel God\’s love — and Loren\’s — beaming through your sadness.
Susie Brubaker Weybright
Wendy (Ray) and Fred Berkeypile says
John, Wishing you peace to bring you comfort, Courage to face the days ahead, and loving memories to hold forever in your heart! We are thinking of you and your family.. Loren was a good man.. with a kind heart, and never failed to ask about our family… he always had a friendly nod, and a wave through passing…he will be sadly missed! God bless you and your family..
rick anders says
Yje Anders\’s family are so very sorry to hear about Loren\’s passing. He was a great man! You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Donna Whitmer says
Dear Shirley & Family,
Sending you prayers and condolences at this horrible time. Loren will be missed by all who knew him. May he soar with the angels!
Donna Whitmer
Gene Alan Mc Neal Jr. says
Loren was a very nice man. Fun times riding his bus. Growing up helpping Loren bail hay and work around the farm are great times for me. After I became a grown man we always stayed in touch. And he would stop in and check up on me. He stayed on me about things to make sure I remembered how much he loved me. Loren gave me advice on naming my youngest daughter which made the best sense. He will always be in my heart. I will dearly miss him.
Vincent Glose says
I will not be able to attend the wake or funeral as I am out of town. But I would like to extend my sympathies to his wife, children, and the entire family on this sudden tragic event. He is a good friend of mine. I have known him for many years. May he rest in peace.
Sincerely,
Vincent Glose
Rosie Snyder says
Shirley and family, I am sorry for your loss. Loren will be greatly missed. I appreciated him when he was my children\’s bus driver. You will be in my prayers. Rosie Snyder
Taylor Loren Shively says
Grandpa Loren was quite a guy! I love you grandpa, and im so sad that you and I can\’t have our weekendly hauls to the sale barns! That was so fun grandpa! We all miss you Grandpa! Grandma is staying strong like normal! I\’ll keep her behaving on good terms..lol. All of us love you. Massy Tractors Rock the World! Love, Taylor.
Bernece Pomeroy says
Loren was so kind and helpful to me when my brother lee Sporner passed away in 2001.
I am sorry for your loss
Bernece Sporner Pomeroy
John & Linda Sweany says
Lorna,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. I know how special your relationship with your Dad was in your life. You inherited his work ethics and family committments. He touched so many people with his constant giving of both his time and talents. May it comfort you to know how many people share in your sorrow, and your memories will keep him alive forever in your heart. Love John & Linda
Mandy Mitchell says
I\’m sooo sorry to hear about Loren. Loren, Shirley and the kids are very close and dear to me and my family. Loren helped my grandpa Russ every chance he could, he was a great man. Loren will be deeply missed by all!!
Tracy Huff Casey says
I am very sorry to hear of Loren\’s passing… He was a wonderful man who truely cared about the kids on his bus and everyone he met… My prayers go out to his entire family in this very difficult time…
Tracy Huff Casey
Linda Whitt says
I will always remember Loren, from being a lil bitty girl with my Dad and brother, to riding the bus and those tractors out on Lincoln Highway that took the whole road up in my teenage years, when you were always in a hurry and there was Loren , lol…. . He had a heart of gold and always there to help out if he could.
My thoughts and prayers are with you the family and remember the good times, the laughter the love ~
Linda ( Eckert ) Whitt
Jim Spiek says
John, and family, Loren always kept me on my toes at the parts store. I do believe he actually trained me to do my job now serving the farmers of LaPorte county. I\’ll surely miss him.
Mark Dollinger says
Lorna and family you are in my thoughts and prayers. My deepest sympathy to your family and may God comfort and strengthen you in this difficult time.
Connie Gibbs says
Lorna and family,
So sorry to here of your dad\’s passing. Sending prayers for you all.
Tina DeHaan says
Shirley, Lorna and Taylor,
I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember him as a great person with a big heart and a smile on his face while he watched the horse show and cheered the kids on. Deepest condolences to your family during your time of sorrow.
Diana Pyle says
I\’m am deeply saddened to learn of Loren\’s passing. The entire Nifong family is in my prayers and thoughts at this time. Both Shirley and Loren have always been so kind to me when I was in Plymouth visiting with Kim, John and Jennah.
Derek and Jodi Eveland says
Nifong Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Both Derek and I remember Loren when we were students at West and he drove bus. Our recent memories of Loren consisted of visiting with him while watching our daughter, Bailey, and Jennah play basketball. I also enjoyed our conversations when he drove for 6th grade volleyball while I was coaching. He will be missed.
Derek and Jodi Eveland
Sherri Sharpe says
Lorna and Family,
I am sorry for your loss. I know you will have many wonderful memories of your dad and the years spent together. I pray for your comfort in knowing he lived a wonderful life.
Robert L. Gross says
Dear Shirley, Lorena, John, & Families,
Sorry to hear of Loren\’s passing. He was a Big Brother, in the neighborhood. Listening to your situation, and trying to help. He will be missed.
Robert L. Gross
Marjorie I. Gross