AF Maj., Ret. Donald L. Loegering

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Loegering, Donald L. AF Maj., Ret. of St. Louis Park, beloved member of the Basilica of Saint Mary congregation, passed away June 10th of congestive heart failure at age 93. His long and varied adult life started when he joined the Army Air Corps toward the end of World War II and became a fighter pilot flying P-61 Black Widow Fighters in China. He stayed in the Air Corps after the war and continued as a fighter pilot for the Korean Conflict where he flew 100 missions in the jet powered F-80 Shooting Star. He retired from the Air Force after a 20 year career that included stints as a B-47 Bomber pilot and instructor, Information Officer at various duty stations, and even time as a military lawyer in Occupied Japan. After retirement, the family moved to the San Francisco area where he pursued his interests in music, singing, and little theatre. After singing with various choral groups in Marin County, in 1974 he auditioned for and was accepted by the San Francisco Symphony Chorus for a paid singing position. But always having had itchy feet, he joined the Peace Corps in the late 70s. His first stint was in Swaziland, Africa, and after a short break he took a second assignment in Jamaica. He taught woodworking skills to young people for both assignments. A motorcycle accident cut short his second assignment due to the need for medical attention back in the U.S., and he returned to Minneapolis, Minnesota. He then decided that it was time to complete his interrupted college education. He majored in Music and Art History and his curriculum included exchange programs in Cambridge, England and Salzburg, Austria. He graduated in 1987 at age 65. As a matter of course, he became involved in the choral music scene in Minneapolis and sang with several world-renowned choruses and choirs including the Minnesota Choral and the Basilica of Saint Mary choir. In later years he was very involved in daily activities for Mass, helping with preparations and doing readings. Don also had a life-long love of photography. He maintained an active studio and darkroom, as well as a matting and framing operation at the Stevens Square Center for the Arts in Minneapolis. His favorite subjects were architectural, particularly churches all over the world. Last August he mounted an exhibit of his photos of the Basilica as part of their 100 year anniversary celebration. He is survived by his five children; Mark Loegering of Rockledge, Florida, Steve Loegering of Baltimore, Maryland, Terri Loegering of Healy, Alaska, Pat Loegering of Roseburg, Oregon, and Lisa Blumenthal of La Quinta, California. He is also survived by seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. There will be a visitation at 11:00 AM and Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 Noon on Friday, July 22, 2016 at the Basilica of Saint Mary, 1600 Henpinne Ave. with a military honors graveside ceremony at 1:30 at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery. gillbrothers.com Minneapolis Chapel 612-861-6088

Published on July 17, 2016