Event Wednesday night will pay tribute to slain cyclist

By Tim Harlow, Star Tribune

Last update: September 18, 2007 - 8:51 PM

Residents of south Minneapolis are sponsoring a walk and bike event today in memory of Mark Loesch, the avid cyclist and father of four who was slain while riding his bike last week.

Starting at 6:30 p.m., participants will retrace the route he might have taken, said event organizer Linda Shay. They will go from Martin Luther King Park, 4051 Nicollet Av. S., across the 40th Street pedestrian bridge to the 3700 block of Elliot Avenue, where Loesch died Thursday morning.

There, members of MAD DADS, an organization that fights crime and drugs and supports communities, along with City Council members will speak at a memorial ceremony. People are invited to light candles and leave flowers in Loesch's honor, Shay said.

Neighborhood Citizen Patrol members are encouraged to wear their vests. For more information, e-mail dshay92355@aol.com.

Funeral services were 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.

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