Walter Loesche Obituary

LOESCHE, WALTER JOSEPH Ann Arbor, MI. On October 14, 2012, our beloved father, Walter Joseph Loesche, passed away in his home with his wife Rosemary at his side. Walter Loesche, one of the world's authorities on caries and periodontal disease, credited most of his success to luck and being in the right place at the right time. Colleagues, friends and family know that his life-long achievements were due to his intelligence, hard work, eternal optimism and compassion. Dr. Loesche, Professor Emeritis at the University of Michigan Dental and Medical Schools, received numerous honors and awards throughout his career. He was appointed the Marcus L Ward Professor in Dentistry and received honorary degrees from the University of Goteborg, Sweden, the University of Ghent, Belgium and the University of Turku, Finland. In 1988 Dr. Loesche served as the president of the American Association of Dental Research and received the Distinguished Scientist Award in 1994. Dr. Loesche received his B.A. from Yale University in 1957, his D.M.D. from Harvard in 1961 and his Ph.D. from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1967. Walter was born on March 28, 1935 in New Haven Connecticut, son of Walter Albert Loesche and Anna Mary Knott. He married his college sweetheart Rosemary Mercugliano on June 14, 1958 in New Haven. Walter is survived by his wife, Rosemary, daughters Heidi (Tim), Dana (Benny), son-in-law Brian, sister Carolyn Ober (Paul) and grandchildren Courtney, Thomas, Kyle, Paris and Aerin. He was predeceased by his parents, sister Joan Riter and beloved daughter Christa Loesche Clark. A memorial service will be held at a future date.

Published by New Haven Register from Oct. 17 to Oct. 18, 2012.
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Dr Walter Loesche will never be forgotten his legacy will always be remembered

Mahassen farghaly

Work

October 11, 2023

Prof Walter loesche will always be remembered he was a pioneer and gifted may Rest In Peace

Mahassen Farghaly

Work

October 11, 2022

May Rest In Peace and always be remembered for his great help and knowledge I inspired from Prof Walter Loesche

Mahassen Farghaly

Work

October 11, 2021

I was just thinking of Walter this past week and what a kind, gentle person he was and yet he would not accept status quo in his area of research and even sometimes taking on the "Establishment". He was competitive in his beliefs and also on the Racketball court where he and I had some very good times. I will always have the utmost respect and life long memories of Walter; he meant a lot to me! I also want to send my love and best wishes to Rosemary and hope that she is doing well and healthy. All The Best, Kevin

Kevin

Friend

October 11, 2020

Prof Walter Loesche was very helpful to me while I was a post doctor in university of Michigan during the 1982 I will never forget his support and help and I will always remember him as a high caliber scientist and I am sure his devotion to science and research helped many colleagues students and scientists to research their goals

Mahassen Farghaly

Student

October 11, 2019

To the Loesche family,

Dr. Loesche provided the first and the most convincing experimental evidence that periodontal diseases can be treated with antibiotics specifically targeting anaerobic bacteria. I have been working on the molecular basis of virulence of the oral anaerobic bacteria for over 20 years and currently, in collaboration with Dr. Hoffman from the University of Virginia am working on a new antimicrobial specifically targeting anaerobic bacteria. It is now, while working on this approach, I came to read all Dr. Loesche's publications and appreciate their value. I am extremely thankful to Dr. Loesche for his contributions to oral microbiology and believe they will benefit many.


Janina P. Lewis

Janina Lewis

March 21, 2017

thanks for all your knowledge i use it daily in my thoughts and prayers russ tontz you helped me provide for my family of 10 kids i can never repay you and your family enough love russ tontz

russ tontz

September 2, 2016

i was shocked when Ann Bosy told me at the recent CDHA conference that Walter died. He made a great contribution to perio and breath odour research. He is missed
Sincerely
lynda McKeown Thunder Bay ON CANADA

November 25, 2013

I am honored to know some of your work. I discovered the science of dentistry from your amazing contributions. I felt the need to say thank you to someone I never met, but I hold in the highest esteem. I am grateful for all you did to help improve the health and oral health of people everywhere.

Ellie Phillips DDS

January 19, 2013

To the Loesche family,

We are deeply saddened by Walter's passing and will miss his advice and inspiration greatly. We are thinking of you in this difficult time and extend our condolences. Warmest regards,
Ross Perry & Brenda Turgeon

Ross Perry

October 26, 2012

Dear Mrs. Loesche and family,
We would hear about Dr. Loesche's research during our dental training at the University of Sao Paulo, in Brazil. We were so fortunate to get to know him and receive his guidance during our training at the UM. He was an inspiration to all students.
Please accept our most sincere condolences.

Thiago and Julie Morelli

October 24, 2012

Dear Rosemary and family,

I have always looked at Walter as a friend and colleague. We have shared through very good times and have shared some very stressful times. There is not much more that I can say other than we will miss him and we will cherish the memories we have. He had an amazing life and it was wonderful to be able to share just a small part of it.

I wish you good memories and peace for your family.

All my love,
Dennis Lopatin

Dennis Lopatin

October 23, 2012

Dear Rosemary and family, Please know that you are in are thoughts and prayers on Walter's passing. He was a true friend, mentor and inspiration to so many developing researchers at the dental school. I will miss his exuberant enthusiasm, smile and encouragement. I was moved by his lecture in Boston last month and felt he enjoyed seeing many of his colleagues and former students together. He has touched us all and we will miss him.

Will Giannobile

October 22, 2012

I consider myself lucky to have been "touched" by Walter's intelligence, knowledge and friendship. He will be dearly missed but his legacy to the profession will never wane.

Peter Birek

October 22, 2012

Dear Mrs. Loesche and family:
Almost 5 years ago, Dr. Loesche visited Taiwan. I was so amazed by his talk on caries infection, I later became a royal reader of his landmark book, “Dental caries: a treatable infection”. Dr. Loesche was so kind to allow me to translate his book into Chinese. I am sorry that I cannot complete my commitment to him in time.
As a clinician, I was deeply touched by his statement that “where once the patient comes under the control of the dentist, his future caries activity is zero or is so low that restorative treatment is minimal”. Dr. Loesche helped us understand the nature of caries infection by having the big picture all in one place. The most fruitful scientific findings are not those of individual experiments, but those that organize knowledge into theory. Dr. Loesche's foresight changed the whole concept of treating dental patients.
The best way I can repay Dr. Loesche for his encouragement and inspiration is to spread his thoughts and implement it clinically. The translation will continue and the inspiration will go on forever.
Please accept my most sincere condolences.
Anthony Tsai
Taipei, TAIWAN

Anthony Tsai

October 22, 2012

Dear Rosemary & Family,

It is with a heavy heart I bid farewell to one of the greatest men I have ever known. It was a privilege to have spent so many years with Walter, not just as a mentor but as a dear friend. He taught me many things over the years and we discovered our kindred spirits, a love for challenging ideas and always pushing the envelope of current thinking, sharing many adventures together. He was a kind, thoughtful man, endlessly positive even in the dimmest of light and an intellectual unlike any I have known. You and Walter will always hold a special place in my heart. May he find peace in those many lives he has touched.

Love, The Kazor Family

Christopher Kazor

October 22, 2012

Expressions of sympathy will be made to the Loesche family personally. I will certainly miss, beyond measure, my role model and close personal friend of 40 years. Though I could fill this book with my thoughts and memories, I just want to state briefly here that we all have a great deal to learn from the way that this generous and gregarious man retained enormous dignity and optimism through so many ups and downs of potentially fatal health challenges. He didn't let it come between him and others or between him and the joys of life. Impressive!

Richard Ellen

October 21, 2012

Dear Dr. Loesche family
This is Sandra Chan. Dr. Loesche is my
thesis mentor when I pursued the master degree in Pediatric Dentistry program in UM. I am so sad to hear that Dr. Loesche has passed away. I want to tell you that Dr. Loesche has a great impact on me, not only in the research field, but also the way of physiology to the life that he set a good example by his action. Dr. Loesche is the first person that opens the door of science to me. I really thanks Dr. Loesche gave me the chance to work with him to explore the world. He taught me to apply the science to the clinic. I had a great time to work with him. Dr. Loesche was always there for me whenever I need help. Although he is very success in the research field, he is still very humble and devoted himself to the research even he retired, that I feel very lucky I could be his student after his retirement. I always remember the word he told me “Persistence, Persistence, and Persistence” whenever I encounter difficulties. He is always very optimistic and enthusiastic. I have a greatest respect to him for his contribution to the dentistry. He is such a great educator and mentor. He will remain in my memory. At this very difficult time, may peace be with you all. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family

Sandra Chan

October 21, 2012

Dear Mrs. Loesche and family:

My name is Kevin Lee. I am the graduated student of Pediatric Dentistry in class 2004 U of M. Dr. Loesche was my mentor for my master thesis. I am writing to extend my deepest sympathies to you and your family. I was so very sad to hear about Dr. Loesche passing away, he was such a wonderful man. Dr. Loesche means a lot to me and he took me to a brand new world of science and research. I still remember we talked about microbiology and dental treatment in the most beautiful national park in Taiwan. He inspired a lot of Pediatric Dentist here for the new way treating caries
It is really my honor knowing Dr. Loesche and having chance working with him. That was the best time during my entire learning career. I had the greatest respect for Dr. Loesche and will miss working with him, his generous nature and sharing his remarkable knowledge. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad and difficult time.

May God bless you and your family during this time and always




Kevin Lee
Taipei, Taiwan

Kevin Lee

October 21, 2012

Dear Mrs. Loesche and family:

My name is Kevin Lee. I am the graduated student of Pediatric Dentistry in class 2004 U of M. Dr. Loesche was my mentor for my master thesis. I am writing to extend my deepest sympathies to you and your family. I was so very sad to hear about Dr. Loesche passing away, he was such a wonderful man. Dr. Loesche means a lot to me and he took me to a brand new world of science and research. I still remember we talked about microbiology and dental treatment in the most beautiful national park in Taiwan. He inspired a lot of Pediatric Dentist here for the new way treating caries.
It is really my honor knowing Dr. Loesche and having chance working with him. That was the best time during my entire learning career. I had the greatest respect for Dr. Loesche and will miss working with him, his generous nature and sharing his remarkable knowledge. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad and difficult time.

May God bless you and your family during this time and always

Kevin Lee
Taipei, Taiwan

Kevin Lee

October 21, 2012

To the Loesche family...
I would like to send my heartfelt condolences on Dr Loesche's passing. I had the privilege of having Walter as a professor and mentor throughout my time in dental school. He was, and will remain in my memory, a great educator, mentor, and a warm and humble man. I consider myself honored to have known him and to have learned from his tireless efforts to further understand the world that we work within.
Again, I am truly sorry for your family's loss. Although Dentistry and Science has lost a true pioneer, his impact will be felt forever.
Dr Stephen Gaines DDS
UM Class of 97

Stephen Gaines

October 20, 2012

I knowProf Loesche since 1982 when I was visiting as post doctor he was of great help I learned a lot from him and without his support I could not reach a stage that I submitted a paper to dental research journal and latter was accepted. It was challenging to me and I will never forget how helpful and support to me. May god accept our prays. Prof Loesche will always be remembered.

Mahassen Farghaly

October 20, 2012

Page Caufield

October 20, 2012

Page Caufield

October 20, 2012

Page Caufield

October 20, 2012

Dear Rosemary & family:
I just learned of Walter's sudden death and am deeply shocked. Always enjoyed his company and discussing oral biology with him at IADR or the many other meetings we attended. He had a stellar career as a scientist/investigator and made many contributions to our understanding of caries and periodontal disease.
We loved getting to know the whole Loesche family while you were in California on sabbatical. Our hearts go out to all of you, we sure will miss him. Love and hugs
Erni & Evi Newbrun

Ernest Newbrun

October 19, 2012

Dear Rosemary: I would like to send you and your family my and Forsyth's condolences for loosing Walter. Walter was such a special friend to me and delightfully challenging traveling companion for several taxonomy meeting adventures. Notable was Paris, where he walked me into the ground, Osaka Japan which I lost the train station to meet Walter and Ron Gibbons, and Prague, beautiful place but sad times. I wish your family peace, and to you especially for knowing what an amazing support you have always been to him. I can never forget your combined ear-to ear grin at having made the symposium in Boston last month. A triumph. Very best wishes, Anne

Anne Tanner

October 19, 2012

Rosemary and family, thinking of you at this difficult time. Sending you all of our thoughts and prayers.
MATTHEW 5:4

Stephen & Nadine Riter

October 19, 2012

When I needed support Walter gave it to me; when I needed help he was there for me. But most of all he always gave of himself and I feel blessed,Walter that you were my brother-in-law.

Frank Mercugliano

October 19, 2012

Dear Rosemary and family:

Sad news is traveling fast.

It is hard to think of a world without the voice of Walter Loesche. He made us look at our patients in a very different way.

The other side of Walter was that of a most caring and passionate friend, willing to listen and share. He was one of a kind.

He will be missed but not forgotten.

Christian Stohler

October 18, 2012

Thank you for all the special conversations and inspirations. / Steve Bayne

Stephen Bayne

October 18, 2012

Dear Rosemary and Family, please, let me assure you that we are numerous members of the dental community who will miss Walter very much. His brilliance, knowledge, thinking outside the box, and incredibly fast and well-reasoned ideas were truly an inspiration and scientific stimulation. Despite Walter's immense accomplishments and subsequent honor and respect reaching globally, he kept his humble demeanor, positive attitude, and great sense of humor. He and Rosemary made friends all over the world. Walter left an unusually broad scientific legacy. His memory and work will be forever with us who follow, elevated by his unimaginable contributions to science. He was an expert in several areas of dentistry as well as in microbiology, and was regarded a true pioneer in bridging dentistry and medicine. I am forever grateful for having Walter as a friend, colleague, and mentor, Wenche

October 18, 2012

I love you, Grandaddy.

Courtney

October 18, 2012

Dear Rosemary, I am so sorry to hear of Walter's passing. I was thinking over the last few months to call him to have lunch, but other things kept distracting me. I want you to know that you and your family are in my prayers. Walter was one of the most optimistic people I have ever met. We will all miss help greatly! Love, Kevin G.

October 18, 2012

We enjoyed Walter's company so very much. He was amazingly optimistic and knowledgeable. We will miss our good friend. We are ready to help you; let us know what we can do.
Love, The Gordons

Anitra Gordon

October 18, 2012

Dear Rosemary,
We are sorry to learn of Walter's death. Please know our thoughts are with you and your family at this sad time.
Bill and Ann Miller
(your painter).

October 18, 2012

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Joe & Trudy Amore

October 18, 2012

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