Jerome “Jerry” Loftus, age 78, of Prior Lake, MN, entered eternal peace on Wednesday, June 19, 2024.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, June 28, 2024, at 11 AM, with a gathering from 9-10:45 AM, all at St. Michael Catholic Church, 16400 Duluth Avenue SE, Prior Lake, MN. Father Tom Walker will preside. Jerry will be laid to rest at St. Michael Catholic Cemetery in Prior Lake.
Jerry was born on July 28, 1945 to Michael and Catherine (McNearny) Loftus in Minneapolis, MN. The second oldest of four siblings, Jerry grew up in the frog town area of Prior Lake, MN. The Loftus family were proud to be Irish, and his identity is deeply rooted in his family heritage. At an early age, family and friends were at the center of Jerry’s life, and he remained close with his siblings and numerous friends from his childhood his entire life. He was an active and independent thinker growing up, often taking “breaks” from school after finishing up his downtown paper route, greeting the cast of interesting Prior Lake characters along the way. Jerry was also an exceptional athlete and was inducted into the Prior Lake Hall of Fame for his achievements in football, basketball, and baseball.
After his graduation from Prior Lake, Jerry went on to college at Mankato State University, where he double majored in English and History. In the summers during college, he found his soul-mate, Suanne Justen. Jerry worked at the bottle company in Shakopee and often gave Suanne rides home. Their loved blossomed, and they were united in marriage on June 8, 1968 at St. Mary of the Purification Catholic Church in Marystown. Together, they were blessed with two daughters, Molly and Katie.
Jerry graduated from college in 1968 and took a position at Metcalf Junior High in Burnsville, where he taught his entire career of 35 years in the same classroom. He left a huge impression on all of the other staff and students that he mentored over the many years. The only brief pause in his career came when Jerry was drafted to the United States Army in 1969. He was stationed in Berlin for a short time as a MP before his honorable discharge, and he then returned to teach and be with his wife and daughter. His time in the military opened Jerry’s eyes to the expansive world of culture and history outside of the United States, and he cherished his short time serving.
Jerry was a true intellect and loved to read and learn. He had a passion for world history and held many political discussions with his family and friends over the years. He and Suanne enjoyed traveling together and with their daughters, visiting the Presidential Library in the United States, Europe, and his family roots in Ireland. In the summers, Jerry kept on working as a self-taught handyman. He loved taking on projects for his family and friends. He always supported his family and his two daughters in particular, coaching them in sports and activities while they grew up and being present and active in their lives. As a grandpa later in life, Jerry loved his grandchildren unconditionally. He was gifted in his wisdom and sense of humor and was extremely proud of who they became as individuals.
Jerry was quiet in thinking but always the first to raise his glass for a toast and cheers. He had a dimpled smile that lit up every room he was in and had a special shine about him that engaged everyone around. He was kind, generous, intelligent, and dynamic, and he was the best husband, dad, grandpa, brother, and friend that anyone could ask for.
Jerry will be forever loved by wife of 56 years, Suanne; daughters, Molly Gove and Katie Loftus; grandchildren, Abby Bisgard, Josie Bisgard, Tommy (Becca) Gove, Charlie Gove and Ellie Gove; siblings, Terry (Margaret) Loftus, Mary Kay (Dallas) Blakeborough and Jane (Jim) Hobbs; and other loving relatives and friends.
He will be reunited in heaven with his parents, Michael and Catherine Loftus.
Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation proudly served the Loftus family.
