Mondovi home gutted by fast-moving fire

by Beth Kraft

It could have been worse, but the damage caused by an early-morning fire at the home of Jim and Kathie Loewenhagen and the losses it handed the couple were still great.

“I can’t even believe what one hour in my life did,” reflected Kathie Loewenhagen in the aftermath of the blaze that caused serious heat and smoke damage inside her Mondovi home on Wednesday, Nov. 5.

She and her husband had already left for work when the fire broke out at their home, located at 234 Monroe Street, just after 6 a.m.

A Durand Sanitation worker was reportedly the first to see the smoke and called in the fire, which was spreading quickly.

Upon arrival, Mondovi Fire Chief Dennis Brion noted the fire was coming from the kitchen area with heavy smoke pouring from the house. Crews worked quickly to contain the fire, stopping the flames before they broke through to the home’s exterior while still managing to limit water damage.

A gas range in the kitchen has been identified as the cause the blaze, Brion said. MFD crews were on scene for about three hours to contain the fire.

No people were injured, but the Loewenhagens’ three dogs didn’t make  it—an emotional loss the couple is still struggling to come to grips with.

“Things can be replaced,” says Kathie, noting she’s having a tougher time accepting that her dogs, which included two 14-year-old Labradors, won’t be there to greet her anymore. 

“It’s been rough and I’m sure there are going to be a lot more tears before this is all over,” she said.

Nearly all of the Loewenhagens’ personal property was destroyed with the exception of some of their clothing, which they hope to salvage via deep cleaning, and some items stored in the home’s basement.

Brion contacted the Red Cross for assistance immediately following the blaze, but Kathie stresses any and all help she and her husband have received has come from family, friends, and the area community.

Within hours of the fire, financial contributions, clothes, and food began showing up at the home from all over. Quilts were donated by Zion Lutheran Church, and at least three individuals offered available homes in the area to give the couple a place to stay.

“It’s been amazing,” says Kathie of the outpouring of support she and Jim have received. “I don’t even know half the people [who have helped].”

Family from all around region also began converging at the site of the fire.

“Everybody just came out of the woodwork,” Kathie said. “It’s been a shock, but it’s been amazing.”

Many people have referenced Kathie’s regular involvement in local causes to assist others over the years.

“People have said, ‘now we’re returning it to you,’ It’s been hard for me to accept because I’m used to being on the other end of things,” she said.

One local funeral director even stepped in to help take care of the Loewenhagens’ beloved, furry friends.

Kathie says she simply wanted her three dogs buried properly after they were removed from the home, but Rob Talbot of Talbot Family Funeral Home and Scenic Rivers Cremation Center voluntarily cremated them and let Kathie pick out an urn.

“Rob went way above and beyond,” Kathie said gratefully.

Cleaning tasks at the home were also underway last week in an effort to sort through the wreckage for any items in salvageable condition.

The couple isn’t yet sure when they will be able to return to their home. The fire affected the structure’s main support beams, so the entire second story may need to be removed and rebuilt, Kathie explained.

That work could take 6-12 months, she estimated.

In the meantime, the couple is staying with their daughter, Jenna Fink, and her husband, Cody, who live one street over, to be close to family.

“Our families and friends have been just unbelievably wonderful,” stressed Kathie.

For those who may be looking for ways to assist Jim and Kathie Loewenhagen, two funds have been established on their behalf. Monetary contributions can be directed to either the Loewenhagen Fire Fund at United Bank or to a webpage set up by the couple’s Marten Transport co-worker, Mike Snow.

The page, searchable on fundly.com via “Loewenhagen Family Fire Relief,” had netted over $4,000 on the couple’s behalf with 90 supporters at press time.

Snow says he started the page in an effort to provide an easy way for employees from Marten Transport’s 16 distribution locations around the country to get involved.

“She’s always the first one with her arms out to help other people,” Snow said of Kathie, whom he works closely with at Marten. “It was just natural for me to give back to her.”