Tracy (64) and Herbert Loftin (89)

On May 19, 2021, Tracy Duane Loftin, 64, lost his fight with Pulmonary Fibrosis that began during his service in Desert Storm.

Tracy was born to Herbert and Lois Loftin at Fort Carson, Colo., on Oct. 2, 1956. As their third son, Tracy spent his childhood living in Colorado, Germany, California, Panama, Missouri, Ohio and eventually moved to North Idaho in 1968.

Tracy graduated from Lakeland High School in 1975 and enjoyed being on the wrestling and football teams. After graduation Tracy joined the Army and spent 20 years of his life serving in the Airborne at Fort Bragg and Fort Carson.

While with the U.S. Army, Tracy had several deployments overseas and earned a Bronze Star in Iraq. Following his military career he returned to Rathdrum, the place that he considered home, to raise his family. Tracy spent most of his post-military career with Buck Knives in Post Falls. He is well remembered for his large collection of knives. Family members could expect a knife as a birthday or Christmas present.

Tracy was very close with his father; Herb, whom he affectionately called “Pappy”. Having both retired from the U.S. Army, they enjoyed long-haul trucking, hunting, and fishing together.

Tracy is survived by his children: Richard, currently serving in the Airborne; Lauren, with her five children in Florida; and Spencer with his wife Sara in Rathdrum.

Sadly, 23 days after Tracy’s passing, the family also lost his father Herbert Loftin.

On June 12, 2021, Herbert ‘Herb’ Hoover Loftin, 89, passed away following complications from a recent stroke. Herb was born on Oct. 21, 1931, into a large family with 13 siblings in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas.

In 1950, Herb joined the U.S. Army and served as a Mechanic, Combat Engineer, and Drill Sergeant. While he was stationed in Colorado, he married the love of his life, Lois Meyer, on Aug. 7, 1951. A week later Herb was deployed to the Korean War.

On his return, Herb and Lois quickly started a family with four sons. Their first son Herbert ‘Bert’ Loftin was born in 1953 and died in 1990. Norman Loftin was born in 1954 and lives in Post Falls with his wife Debbie. Tracy was born next in 1956. Bobby Loftin was born in 1958 in Germany and passed in 1965.

While in Korea, Herb earned a Combat Infantryman’s Badge and in Vietnam he was awarded a Bronze Star. In 1968 Herb’s final duty assignment was as an Adviser to the Combat Engineer unit in Coeur d’Alene. He fell in love with “God’s Country” and stayed here until his passing.

Herb was looking forward to celebrating his 70th wedding anniversary and his 90th birthday.

Herb was preceded in death by three of his sons, many other family members, and numerous friends. He is survived by wife Lois, son Norman, three of his nine sisters, eight grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.

Please join the Loftin family for a Celebration of Life for Tracy and Herbert from 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021, at the Elks Lodge, 1170 W. Prairie Ave. in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho. A Military Honor Guard will make a flag presentation to the next of kin with a rifle salute at 1:30 p.m.

The inurnment for both Tracy and Herbert will be at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 24, at the Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, Colo. They will be buried alongside their brother and son Bobby, who passed away at the age of 7.

In lieu of flowers, the Loftin family would appreciate your continued support of our veterans and their families.