Melanie and I recall together the story Dad told of how he met our Mom, Donna:

    It was at Inidana University, where Dad was studying Physiology for his Ph.D.

He was thrilled to have the opportunity to listen to a guest speaker, Dr. David Bruce Dill, Ph.D -- world renowned physiologist.  The lecture was about to begin, and at the last moment, a co-ed slipped in and found a seat.  Dad told us that he thought, "This must be one sharp gal!"  She must know how important Dr. Dill was and to be interested in physiology--was an incredible bonus.

He walked her through the snow covered paths back to her dorm room, and asked her out to the ice cream parlor later.

* Turns out, Mom was on her way to the seminar building--but landed in the wrong lecture hall.  Once it began and she realized this mixup, she simply stayed put and listened to the whole session.

Graduate of Barnum High School, 1954

B.S. Biology - University of Minnesota, Duluth 1958

M.S. Exercise Physiology - Indiana University, 1961

Track, Field and Swimming Coach – University of Minnesota Duluth

M.S. Physiology - University of Oregon, 1963

P.E.D. Exercise Physiology - Indiana University, 1971

Ph.D. Physiology - Indiana University, 1971

Diploma - U.S. Air War College

Senior Scientist – Lovelace Foundation for Medical Education and Research

Research Physiologist – U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine

Senior Researcher – Nike's World Headquarters

Nike Bowerman Team Award, 2002

Loren G. Myhre, Ph.D.

11 October 1936 – 26 January 2012

          Dr. Loren G. Myhre, beloved father, husband, brother, and friend died peacefully at the age of 75 in his home after a valiant struggle with ALS.  His indomitable spirit was an inspiration to his family and friends.

He led an abundantly rich and full life which was shared enthusiastically with everyone who came into his life. He was born October 11, 1936 in Cloquet, Minnesota to the late Carl Joseph and Edna Ziehl Myhre.  Reared in Mahtowa, Minnesota, Loren Myhre graduated Barnum High School, where he made lifelong friends. He received degrees from the University of Minnesota, Duluth, the University of Oregon, and two doctorates from Indiana University.

An authority on cardiovascular fitness, he made major contributions to the study of environmental stresses on physical performance, most notably the effects of heat during physical exertion and physiological adaptations to altitude.

After a career with the U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine, he was recruited by Nike to develop an environmental physiology research program at the Nike Sports Research Lab. It was a role he embraced with unprecedented enthusiasm. In his later years he worked with America’s elite distance runners, their coaches, and colleagues who made his work in Oregon the most fulfilling of his career, both professionally and personally.

Dr. Loren G. Myhre is recognized worldwide as an authority in the field of research physiology. Dr. Myhre developed the first program in exercise for Indiana University and went on to develop strategies for training Olympic athletes, fighter pilots, astronauts, firefighters and recent world championship marathon runners. He has authored and coauthored numerous professional publications. His work on high altitude exposure is a classic in its field. In 1983, while working at the U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine, he was named Outstanding Civilian Scientist of the Year. The Air Force Surgeon General adopted his work as the official Air Force fitness training program which has been implemented in several major city police and fire departments in the United States and abroad. Following retirement from the Air Force, Dr. Myhre was recruited to develop an environmental physiology research program at Nike’s world headquarters in Portland, Oregon. For his innovation in performance apparel, he was part of a team presented The Bowerman Team Award for World Cup Football Kits - a very prestigious award given from Nike, in 2002.

Dr. Loren G. Myhre is survived by his wife, Donna Long Myhre, his three children, Melanie Myhre Teer and husband Scott, Loren Bruce Myhre, Julie Myhre Anderson and husband William; grandchildren, Jacob Scott and Gulbrand Maximus Teer, Christina Lauren and William Edwin Anderson, III; brother, Ed Myhre and wife Donna; sister Claire Em Myhre Spoolman and husband Vernon; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews whom he each treasured.

The family will receive friends:

Saturday, March 3rd at 10 o'clock, Salem Lutheran Church, Mahtowa,  Minnesota.  Service to begin at 11 o'clock and reception to follow.

At the request of the family, a memorial fund has been established to support the "Salem Children and Youth Ministries", Salem Lutheran Church, Mahtowa, Minnesota.  Donations in lieu of flowers would be welcomed.

Please visit www.forevermissed.com to learn more about Loren, as well as to share your messages, stories, and favorite memories.