Gary W. Loecher, 79

On July 24, 2024, Gary Wilmer Loecher, age 79, slipped quietly away from our world to join the love of his life, Lynette Cheri. In true Loecher fashion, his wish to die at home was unexpectedly granted after a brief journey with Mayo Clinic Hospice.

Gary was born October 4, 1944, in Austin. His parents, Herb and Murl, filled his childhood not only with three sisters, but also with wonderful memories that centered around family values, working hard and playing harder.

Gary graduated from Austin High in 1962. In his own words he “coasted through” school and the most important thing he gained from his four-year experience was the many treasured lifelong friendships he formed. A plethora of stories recount the endless escapades he and his friends indulged in, one of which thankfully led him to his future wife.

Gary and Lynette were united in marriage on June 27, 1964, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church. Throughout their nearly 55 years together they made sure to fill their home with an abundance of love, more laughter than tears and more joy than sorrow. We feel so incredibly blessed to have been raised by two people whose unwavering love and guidance gifted us with personal strength, inner confidence, wisdom, humility, and a deep sense of kindness to carry us through any obstacle in our path.

Gary started work at a young age, first helping his dad out at the various county fairs working in the popcorn wagon, then delivering bottles for Lewis Vending Machines before getting his feet wet at Wallace’s Clothing Store. He also worked at Weyerhauser for three years prior to starting work at Hormel (1964-1985). He was a proud P9’r who obtained his boilers license from Albert Lea Technical College and chose to pursue a career as a maintenance mechanic with the Austin Public School System, ISD 492, for 17 years before retiring in 2007.

Gary’s nickname, “Wormy,” didn’t quite match up with the man we knew as “Dad.” He silently taught us so many important lessons throughout his lifetime, the greatest of which came near the end. Our fiercely loved, occasionally witty, brilliantly blue-eyed dad didn’t tell us kids how to live; he lived life and let us watch him do it. “And what a wonderful life I’ve lived,” he told the hospice care team, “I could die tomorrow with no regrets because I know my kids are happy and taken care of and we did a good job raising them – well, Lynette did, but I helped out every once in a while.”

Family, Friends, and Fun always meant the most to Gary. When the kids were little, he filled his evenings with various softball leagues, maybe they were actually beer leagues, but they brought him joy and that’s what mattered. He never traded in his “dad hat” though when ball night rolled around. He brought the kids along if Lynette had to work. As the kids grew older, Gary selflessly grew along with them and went from player to coach, trading in his own glove for that of his sons. He traveled to Sweden with Chad’s hockey team, Canada with Cory’s baseball team, and cheered with pride watching Marni in gymnastics. Then came the joy of grandchildren and he just kept on cheering, traveling near and far to support each and every one of them.

Gary and Lynette had the greatest tight-knit group of lifelong friends who enjoyed Mulligan Stew parties, Fourth of July parties, New Year’s parties, Friday Fun Nights, lake parties, birthday parties, backyard parties, garage parties, bar parties, and vacation parties. Life is meant to be celebrated and celebrate is what they did best. They took many trips to soak up the sunshine, placed their bets at Canterbury, bantered with colorful folks at the Renaissance, and kept the bar stools warm at the local watering holes. The memories created throughout these years helped sustain Gary when his body grew too weak to allow him the freedom to socialize at his leisure.

Family, more than anything else, was always the most valuable and precious gift to Gary. After Lynette’s passing, he continued to host family gatherings at his home, highlighting the importance of togetherness regardless of circumstances. He loved all of us equally and was quick to share his pride in us; he never missed an opportunity to tell us how he loved and appreciated us, and he taught us to never take anything for granted.

Despite the loss of our trusted guide, the one who navigated us through life’s journey, providing advice, encouragement and forgiveness as we found our own way; the man who admirably assumed the role of our beloved mother, our pillar of strength – we find comfort in knowing that his suffering has ended and that he departed on his own terms, taking the scenic route to reunite with Lynette.

Left behind to continue his legacy and keep his memory alive are his sons and daughters-in-law, Chad and Kim of Northfield, and Cory and Sherri of Austin; his daughter and son-in-law, Marni and Danny of Austin; his grandchildren, Hannah, Griffin (Hailey), Ashley (Andy), Kali (Curtis), Jaxson (Lauren), Brandi (Taylor), Garett (Solia); his great grandchildren Ava, Grayson, Halle and Laekyn, Sophie and Callen, Adalyn, Kinsleigh and Thielen; his beloved sisters and brothers-in-law, Sandra and Mike of Florida, and Barb and David of Austin; as well as many adored nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends who became family throughout the years. Those waiting to greet him with open arms include his wife, Lynette, his parents, Herb and Murl, his sister, Lana, his in-laws, Vickie and Russell, as well as extended family members, a few very close friends, and, of course, his faithful dog Sadie, who took such good care of him when Lynette passed.

We are eternally grateful for the unwavering support, kindness, friendship, loving care and grace bestowed upon our dad by his lifelong friend, Shirley Thielman. We cannot express how thankful we are for the constant companionship, compassionate and tender care you so freely shared with our dad. Angels walk among us here on Earth and Dad reaped all the glory from one of the very best. Our gratitude simply cannot be measured in words alone.

We invite you to join our family as we celebrate Dad’s life at the Eagles Club in Austin on Saturday, September 7, 2024 from 1-4 pm. We look forward to hearing all of your best Gar stories to help heal our hearts.

We hope they’re serving up Rum & Cokes with a side of Marlboro 100s for you, Dad ♥️

Clasen-Jordan Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.