David Loeks

David Robert Loeks, age 84, of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 8. Dave was born December 1, 1941, in Breckenridge, Minnesota, to George Henry Loeks and Pauline Evelyn (Neisess) Loeks.

Dave grew up in Campbell, Minnesota, and graduated from Campbell High School in 1959. He attended the North Dakota State College of Science, where he earned a degree in Auto Mechanics and even served as a substitute instructor for first-year Auto Mechanics students during his second year.

Dave built a career doing what he loved-working on cars. He worked as an auto mechanic at several Mopar dealerships in the Fargo-Moorhead area before becoming Service Manager at Norseman Motors in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. He later served as a Factory Service Representative for Dodge. In 1976, Dave returned to Campbell to farm alongside his father. He farmed until retiring around 1998. In 2004, Dave sold the Campbell family farm and moved to Fergus Falls.

Alongside his career, Dave proudly served his country for 20 years, from 1964 to 1985, in the North Dakota Air National Guard in Fargo, known as the "Happy Hooligans." At the time of his retirement, he held the rank of Technical Sergeant (E-6) and took great pride in his years of military service and the friendships he built along the way.

A lifelong car enthusiast, Dave restored Mopar collector cars for himself and others and proudly participated in many car shows and parades, earning several trophies. Among his treasured vehicles were a 1955 Dodge Lancer hardtop and a 1964 Plymouth Valiant convertible.

He was an active member of the Fergus Falls Classic Car Club since 1967, serving as past president and in several other roles, and was also a member of the Uninvited Car Club. Earlier in life he was very involved in Faith Community Church in Campbell. After moving to Fergus Falls, he joined Federated Church and sang in the choir.

Dave loved the thrill of motorsports. In the 1960s and 1970s he drag raced his Plymouth Barracuda Formula S-nicknamed the "Commando Kid"-in Sabin, Minnesota. He enjoyed attending car shows and cruises, snowmobiling on weekend trail rides with friends, and traveling to NASCAR races. His favorite driver was Brad Keselowski, who won the 2012 Cup Series Championship driving a Dodge.

Known for his mechanical skill and willingness to help anyone in need, Dave truly could fix almost anything-cars, tractors, dishwashers, and more. Friends and family often joked, "Dave, Dave, he's our man-if he can't fix it, no one can."

Dave married Lois Eileen Rohde in August 1967 in Frazee, Minnesota. Lois passed away in October 2016. In later years, he shared a loving partnership with Mary Jones Olson, with whom he enjoyed many adventures, including car shows and travel.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, George and Pauline Loeks; his sister, Ione Loeks; and his wife, Lois Loeks.

He is survived by his significant other, Mary Jones Olson; his children, Lianne Loeks Munson and husband Craig, Loran Whelpton and husband Shawn, and Steve Loeks; and bonus children Todd Simison (Tammie) and Joy Salwey.

He is also survived by his grandchildren Hayden Jepson (Miranda), Rachel Jepson, and Trey Cofell; bonus grandchildren Berlyn Grams (Lucas), Carson Simison, Londyn Salwey, and Sophia Simison; his sister Diane Loeks Haupt and husband Nick; sister-in-law Jeanne Rethwisch; and several nieces and nephews.

Dave will be remembered for his kindness, humor, mechanical talent, and the deep love he had for his family, friends, and classic cars.

Visitation: 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday, March 16, 2026 at Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls, with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will resume one-hour prior to the service at the church.

Service: 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at Federated Church in Fergus Falls.

Clergy: Reverend Doctor Douglas Dent

Interment: Fargo National Cemetery, Harwood, ND at a later date

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com