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Police continued their investigation Saturday into the violent death of a man who had been riding his bicycle in south Minneapolis.

Mark Loesch, 41, of Minneapolis, died of multiple blunt-force head impacts, the Hennepin County Medical Examiner's office said Saturday. His death was ruled a homicide.

Loesch went for a ride after the 10 p.m. news Wednesday but never returned.

He was found barely breathing on a lawn on the 3700 block of Elliot Avenue S. -- less than 1.5 miles from his home -- about 7 a.m. Thursday. He died before paramedics arrived. His bike was nearby; his wallet and cell phone had been left at home.

Loesch, married 16 years, was a father of four. He worked as an information-technology consultant and was an avid cyclist. He might have been going to show a new tire he put on his rebuilt bicycle to a friend.

He was the 35th homicide victim in Minneapolis this year. Anyone with information is asked to call the Minneapolis Police tips line at 612-692-TIPS.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapolis. Donations may be made to the Mark Loesch Memorial Fund at Associated Bank, 5353 Wayzata Blvd., St. Louis Park, MN 55416.

CHRIS HAVENS