Loren P. Childs, 78, of Grand Rapids, Minn. died January 25, 2012 at Grand Village Lodge. There will be a family gathering in the Spring to celebrate Loren's life. Loren was born in Grand Rapids on November 7, 1933 to Ray and Marion Childs. Loren graduated from Grand Rapids High School, enlisted in the Army and served in Germany. After his discharge from the Army, he lived and worked in the Twin Cities for several years. He then moved back to Grand Rapids, attended Itasca Community College where he earned an Associate Degree in Forestry, and worked for Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources. Loren volunteered many years at KAXE radio where he co-hosted "Back Porch Harmony" and was fondly known as "The Doctor of Togo Musicology." He also enjoyed singing and playing music on Summer Friday evenings at the Pickin' Post. Loren was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, Joyce Deering, Doris Childs, and Myrna Carlson, and four brothers, Don, Ray, Charles, and Bob. Surviving family includes one brother, David (Judy) Childs of Wasilla, Alaska; two sisters, Carol (Roger) Messer of Danbury, Wisconsin, and Virginia Longballa of Grand Rapids; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. There will be a family gathering in the Spring to celebrate Loren's life.