Erwin Lloyd Loeffler

Erwin (Erv) Lloyd Loeffler, 94, of Newton Kansas died on June 11, 2025 at Presbyterian Manor in Newton, KS. Erwin was born to Jacob and Marie Loeffler on May 10, 1931 in Dalhart, Texas. The Loeffler family moved around to several Kansas towns before eventually settling in Inman. He graduated from Inman High School in 1949.

 After high school Erwin worked assorted jobs, had a year of voluntary service, and completed his draft obligation in Topeka. After his draft obligation was done, he enrolled in Bethel College where his younger brother Arley was studying. Two years later, he decided against further study and worked a variety of jobs in Newton, Fort Collins and California before returning to Newton in 1961.

In 1961 Erwin was hired by the Santa Fe Railroad as a brakeman. He also worked as switchman and conductor throughout his career. In 1992, he retired from the Santa Fe Railroad. 

He met his future bride, a young widow with three children, on a double date. He married Marilyn Hodel O’Toole on December 28, 1962. Erwin adopted Marilyn’s three children Roberta (Bobbie), Mark, and Kevin. Erwin and Marilyn had a daughter, Karen, in 1964. 

Among his hobbies were model trains and motorcycle riding. He enjoyed motorcycle trips with several friends. He taught Mark, Kevin, and Karen how to ride. He enjoyed working with his hands. He built buildings for his model trains. He restored a 1955 Austin Healey. He enjoyed woodworking in his shop and made gifts and games for all the kids and grandkids.

Erv enjoyed camping and taking the family camping. After his first popup camper he bought a series of motorhomes each one larger than the last. Erwin and Marilyn were part of the Kansas Winnebagos (Kansas Winnies) group where they made great friends and traveling companions. Some of their favorite trips were: traveling the Lewis and Clark trail, Alaska tour, Albuquerque balloon festival, and the annual national meeting in Iowa.

In retirement he began his love/hate relationship with the game of golf and worked with his son Mark at the Hesston Public Golf Course. He loved listening to western music. He was an avid reader and later enjoyed listening to audio books.

In May 2022, Erwin and Marilyn moved into the Presbyterian Manor Garden Apartments and were active in the community there. Erwin lost Marilyn in January of 2023 after 60 years of marriage.

Erwin is survived by Roberta Loeffler (Tim Fey), Kevin (Carmen) Loeffler, Mark (Cheryl) Loeffler, Karen (Marc) Morrison, 12 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Lillian Woelk and his brother, Arley Loeffler. Erwin was preceded in death by his wife Marilyn, his parents, sisters Pauline Loeffler, Lela Loeffler, and Edith Enns, and his infant twin daughters Beth and Betsy Loeffler. 

Memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Monday, June 23, 2025 at Bethel Mennonite Church Chapel 2600 College Ave, North Newton, KS.

 In lieu of flowers, donations for audio books can be made to : State of Kansas Library.