Thomas M. Loch, age 86, of New Prague, passed away peacefully and went to meet his Lord on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at Sunshine Village at Praha Village.

Tom was born on July 30, 1940, in Watkins, Minnesota, to William and Arwilda (Fricke) Loch. He grew up in Watkins with his four siblings, just two blocks from Loch Oil. Tom graduated from St. Boniface High School in Cold Spring and, immediately following graduation, proudly enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served his country from 1958 until 1964.

In 1962, Tom met the love of his life, LaDonna, at a dance hall in Cold Spring. The two were married in 1963 and began their life together in Watkins, where they raised their three children. Following his service in the Marines, Tom joined his father at the family business and eventually took over Loch Oil with his brother. Tom and LaDonna called Watkins home for 40 years before moving to New Prague following his retirement. They have made New Prague their home for the past 20 years. Never one to sit still for long, Tom enjoyed working a couple of part-time jobs in retirement, including at Arnold Chevrolet of Watkins and Palmer Welcome Auto Dealership of New Prague.

Tom was a hardworking man who also knew how to enjoy life. He loved hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors, and he especially enjoyed town baseball. He was a devoted fan of the Watkins Clippers. When not enjoying the outdoors he rarely needed much convincing to join a game of craps or sit down for a good game of cards.

Above all, Tom loved people. Naturally social and a true storyteller, he could strike up a conversation and make a friend wherever he went. Tom and LaDonna loved opening their home to family and friends and had a special way of making everyone feel welcome.

Family was at the center of Tom's life. He dearly loved his children and grandchildren and made it a priority to be involved in their lives. He treasured time spent together and took great pride in his family.

Tom also had a love for travel. He and LaDonna enjoyed trips to Florida, Hawaii, Palm Springs, Arizona, Alaska and Germany, along with many adventures closer to home. Tom especially enjoyed road trips and was always happy when he could get behind the wheel and see where the road would take them.

Tom is survived by his wife of 63 years, LaDonna; children, Jeff (Stacey) Loch and Jay (Jennifer) Loch; son-in-law, Mike Scheurer; grandchildren, Taylor, Gabby (Tyler), Maddy, Alex, Andrew, Max, and Lauren; great-granddaughter, Lucy; sister, Mary Belshe; brother, Jack Loch; nieces, nephews, and many other loving relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Arwilda Loch; daughter, Michelle Scheurer; brother, William Loch; and sister, Janet Loch.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, August 28, 2026, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, 215 Main St. E., New Prague, MN 56071. Visitation will take place from 7:30–9:30 AM at Bruzek Funeral Home, 610 Main St. E., New Prague, MN 56071. Military Honors will be conducted by the New Prague Veterans Honor Guard following Mass. A luncheon will follow at Ridges at Sand Creek. A private family interment will take place at St. Anthony Cemetery in Watkins, Minnesota, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Minnesota Hospice Foundation or St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church or School.

Mass will be Livestreamed at https://npcatholic.org/