"We were so sorry to hear of Loras' passing. Your family was always so nice to my grandmother, Dorothy Current. It was always nice to know that you guys ended up with that land. Our family has made a contribution in Loras' memory to the "together we build campaign" at the Jackson County Fairgrounds to honor his work as a producer, rural letter carrier and ag booster. Best wishes. Chuck, Wendy and Kelly Current, Urbandale Iowa "
In loving memory of
Loras Joseph McLaughlin
February 27, 1936 - May 29, 2021
Loras J. McLaughlin, 85, of Maquoketa, Iowa, beloved husband, father, and grandfather entered into eternal rest on Saturday, May 29, 2021, at Maquoketa Care Center. He spent the last 2½ years at the care center, unable to return home due to many medical conditions and complications.
A funeral mass celebrating his life will be held at 10:30 A.M., Saturday, June 5, 2021, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Maquoketa. Visitation will be held on Friday, June 4, 2021, from 4 to 7 P.M. at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Burial will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Maquoketa.
Loras Joseph was born on February 27, 1936, in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Frank and Lolita (Breitbach) McLaughlin. He attended a one room country school for 8 years and was a 1954 graduate of Loras Academy in Dubuque.
In 1955, Loras enlisted in the Army, spending two years on active duty including one year in Frankfurt, Germany followed by two years in the reserves.
He met and married the love of his life, Mary Ann Yoerger, on October 1, 1960, in Bellevue, Iowa. He was employed at John Deere, Dubuque but on November 2, 1960, returned to the farm due to the tragic death of his father following a farm accident.
Loras enjoyed being a farmer, raising livestock and crops along with various jobs selling feed, seed corn, and being a rural mail carrier for many years. He enjoyed visiting with the patrons whether near the mailbox or walking across the yard, discussing farming and current events along with giving the small children a stick of gum. In earlier years, his children would occasionally accompany him on the mail route and would receive an ice cream bar as they traveled through the Maquoketa Caves.
Loras and Mary Ann did not do extensive traveling but took many day trips and frequently had dinner with the family at the Moracco Supper Club and breakfast in town after Sunday mass.
Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Mary Ann McLaughlin of Maquoketa, IA; children, Michael (Shelly) McLaughlin of Maquoketa, IA, Jane (Bob) Stolen of Atkins, IA, Mark (Jeri) McLaughlin of Maquoketa, IA, and David (Christa) McLaughlin of Eldridge, IA; and 10 grandchildren, Alex and Haley McLaughlin, Megan, Jacob and Shannon Stolen, Austin and Brett McLaughlin, and Nile, Ella and Tate McLaughlin. Loras was preceded in death by his parents, and sister and brother-in-law Mary Jean and Jack McCarthy.
The family would like to especially thank the staff at Maquoketa Care Center and Dr. Rickertsen for the wonderful and compassionate care given.
In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be directed to Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Maquoketa.
Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.
Tributes
"Mary Ann and family, Sending our deepest condolences on the loss of your husband, Dad, Grandpa. Ruth Ann and David Jost"
"Praying for you today and in the days snd weeks ahead. May the memories help you get through the sad times with the loss if Mr McLaughlin. "
"Mary and family, prayers and peace to you at this sad time."
"My sympathy to the family on your loss."
"Mary Ann, So sorry to hear of your loss. Sending prayers to you and your family. It has been many years since we met, it was when we were in grade school at the Kirk school at Otter Creek. Esther Denlinger Hedrick"
"So sad 2 see this.He was my mail man in Fulton.Rented a trailer on old hiway 61.sorry to all family and friends. Nice man???"
"Mary Ann and family, So sorry to hear of your loss. We will keep all of you in our prayers. Thinking of you with sympathy "
"Dear Mary Ann, Our deepest sympathy to you and your greater family. Roger & Marilyn Schrunk"
"My deepest sympathy to all. Loras was a great guy! May God grant you strength and peace. "
"Our deepest sympathy to the McLaughlin Family"
"Our deepest sympathy goes to the McLaughlin family RIP Loras."
"Mary Ann & Family, Our heartfelt condolences to you and the family. Loras was always fun to talk with and a great humor he had! He'll be missed by very many friends and family members!! R.I.P. our Friend and you'll be in our Hearts forever!! God Bless!"
"Mary Ann & Family, Our heartfelt condolences to you and family for Loras, lots of memories over the years to rekindle, always enjoyed his visits and his stories! will be missed by all! Thoughts & Prayers! "
"Mary Ann and family offering my sincere condolences in the loss of Loras."
"Condolences to the family of Loras at his passing. My dad so enjoyed visiting with Loras when they both worked at the post office."
"My deepest Sympathy to Mary Ann and the family. Always enjoyed visiting with Loras when he would be delivering the mail. "