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SKIP LOESCHER Obituary
SKIP LOESCHER 1942 - 2013
Veteran news correspondent Skip Loescher passed away at his home in Annapolis, MD on Friday, October 4, 2013. Loescher was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease four years ago. Loescher was the only child of Carl and Alma Loescher. He grew up in Chicago and began his career in broadcasting when he was a student at Indiana State University. He worked at several stations in the Midwest before serving more than 20 years with WCCO-TV in Minneapolis/St. Paul. He married the former Betty Gruenwald and had three children, Jeffery, Michael and Suzzanne. They were divorced, and in 1973 he married Beverly Braun, mother of Stephen and Leslie. Loescher took a brief break from broadcasting to work as then Senator Walter Mondale's press secretary, but after Mondale was elected Vice President, Loescher went back to journalism. Skip was named WCCO's first St. Paul Bureau Chief reporting live from WCCO's bureau and studio in downtown St. Paul. Loescher's final assignment for WCCO was as its first Washington Bureau Chief anchoring one of the first regular live-by-satellite news cut-ins five nights a week. In 1990 he joined CNN as Washington Bureau Chief for their Newsource affiliate service. Though Loescher's primary work was covering politics, he also covered many other stories including both Gulf Wars, hurricanes, tornados, floods, plane crashes, Princess Diana's funeral in London and 9/11, for which he was awarded Emmy recognition. Loescher retired in 2004. In addition to his love of family, Loescher loved dogs, hockey and baseball. He worked with the Humane Society and Chow Rescue and rooted for the Washington Capitals and the Washington Nationals. Loescher was a bright, hard working and caring man with a great sense of humor who will be missed by his family, friends and fans. He is survived by his wife, his mother-in-law Phyllis Beadle, his five children and their spouses and 13 grandchildren, Nick, Aiden, Sophia, Will, Emma, Nicole, Tyler, Sean, Christian, Julia, Alex, Kate and Ellie. A memorial service for Loescher will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the National Parkinson's Foundation or the SPCA.
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Memories and Condolences
for SKIP LOESCHER
Sponsored by Skip's Family.
Douglas Stone
September 30, 2019
Remembering Skip. I watched him for years when I was a young newspaper reporter and then had the honor of working with him at WCCO-TV when he was in our Washington Bureau and he was heading up coverage at a number of national political conventions. A top-flight journalist who took his work seriously, but always had time for a good laugh and friendly advice for a colleague. We miss his dedication, his humor and his friendship.
Beverly Rotman Praver
November 12, 2015
Bev, I was looking for you to tell you about a reunion of our High School class when I came across this guest book listing. Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of your dear husband. I'm sorry I never got to meet him. Please contact me.
Brian Hanson
December 6, 2014
Just came across this and was truly sad to see Skip had passed. I am sorry for you loss, he was always my favorite news anchor! I still remember coming over to your house, and the times when Keiko(think that is how it was spelled) would get out and take us all on a great chase. That dog would have us all running all over the place. I still cherish the memories I had being with all of you.
June 30, 2014
Bev and family: We are so sorry to hear of Skip's passing. He was a vibrant star. What a great neighbor, when Eileen lived next door to you on Capitol Hill. We will try and locate you in the book. Love, Eileen Green White and husband Joe in Connecticut
Carol Moe
April 24, 2014
Bev, I just ran across the news of Skips passing and I was SO sorry. He was an amazing guy and I will always have fond memories of our visits with you guys. I will be in touch soon.
February 5, 2014
January 21, 2014
I used to go to grade school with Skip's son, Michael at St. Austin's in Minneapolis. I remember it was a thrill seeing someone in our community who was on tv. I recall he came by the school to talk to us youngsters about the news.. Very friendly man. My prayers are with the family. I just lost my dad in April.. It hurts.
Tim Anderson
November 21, 2013
Bev, we met in right aid last night and you were very kind to me. I'm so sorry for your loss. I will also keep that quarter you gave me as a memory of your kindness. Thank you again, I can see that your husband was a well loved and respected man. He was lucky to have a wonderful woman like you by his side for 40 years. Much love to you and yours, Tim Anderson
Jack Womack
November 4, 2013
Bev!
What a great loss but what a life well lived. This man touched so many people. He was a true professional. He always did a great job and cared deeply about the responsibility to report important stories to the public. But he had such a great gentle sense of humor and always had time for everyone. He helped so many people with words of encouragement and solid career advice. It was such an honor and such a wonderful time in getting to work with Skip to help build a very successful news service that everyone is still so proud of to this day. I know you must miss him terribly. There are still many here at Newsource that worked with Skip and were very sad to hear of his passing. Please take care and know all of your are in our thoughts and we will never forget Skip and what a great man he was to know and work with.
Kindest Regards,
Jack Womack
Mid-King DC Set 1980's
November 2, 2013
October 26, 2013
Dear Bev,
We feel very fortunate to have spent just a little time with Skip and are so glad you were together almost 40 years. Our reunions will not be the same without him; however, our memories will last a lifetime.
Our prayers are with you and the family.
With Deepest and Sincere Sympathy,
Hilda & Mike Brock
Judy Moore
October 22, 2013
So sorry to hear of Skip's death. Paul and I will keep you and your family in our prayers. It was such fun to meet Skip at a class reunion since we all loved watching him on the news. Take care and God be with you.
Mondale News Conference after '76 election
October 20, 2013
WCCO-TV Headshot
October 20, 2013
The Scene Tonight
October 20, 2013
Skip loved his work, his family, the Capitals, the Nationals and all dogs!
Beverly Braun
October 20, 2013
I want to thank everyone who has shared their memories of Skip and their wishes for our family on these Guest Book pages. Skip and I have sent the same sympathy card to others for years that says “Better by far to celebrate a life well lived than only to mourn a death that came too soon”. You all have helped do that for Skip. Remembrances of times from his early radio days through his decades with WCCO-TV, his time as then Senator Mondale's press secretary, his Mid-King collaboration, his freelance interval, his 14 years with CNN Newsource and his nine years of retirement are so illustrative of his professional commitment and communication gifts. Comments on his character and sense of humor paint an even fuller picture of the compassionate man we knew and loved. To those who only knew him as a broadcast presence, if you got the feeling he was a good guy you were right... he really was a really good guy!
I am hesitant to put my email address in such a public forum as this, but I am in the phone book and would love to hear from those who have shared their thoughts here. We are also working on having a memorial service for Skip in December and I will try to make information about it widely available. Again, thank you for being part of Skip's life and for sharing your unique experiences with and insights about my dearly missed soul mate. As Skip would say... “Peace”.
Beverly Braun, Annapolis
Hanging with the Gang!
Aleita Steckel
October 19, 2013
Dear Bev and the entire Loescher family,
It was an absolute pleasure working with Skip. He was the genuine article, a real newsman, on and off camera, with a heart for the truth and a passion for people. It was a joy to have worked with him at WCCO. It was an even greater blessing to have been able to keep in touch when my travels to the Northwest literally brought me down the street from his son Jeff and beautiful family. I enjoyed the times we were able to catch up and share stories of the past and news about former colleagues. I still have the treasures he brought me from the good ole days at 'CCO. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire Loescher family.
Sarah Sampson
October 18, 2013
Dear Bev and family,
My thoughts are with you at this time of loss. Skip and Bev were the "hotel on the Hill" for my Mom Jeri. What wonderful times she had with the two of you. Thank you! Skip will be missed. Peace. Jeri Rasmussen and Sarah Rasmussen Sampson
Jennifer Rowze
October 17, 2013
Dear Loescher Family, We are so sorry to hear of Skip's passing. I am the daughter of his cousin Jim Hill. We lived in the St. Paul area for some time and "Uncle" Skip would come over and spend time with us- much to the amazement of the neighbors since he was such a local celebrity at that time! My dad always spoke fondly of him and remembered time spent as children using potatoes as hockey pucks in the basement. We are sorry for your loss! He was a kind man.
October 16, 2013
We just heard about Skip and want to extend our sympathy to Bev and the children. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Bob and Mary Ellen Guercio (Hill family)
October 16, 2013
cousin Bev and Aunt Phyllis and family, Sorry for your loss .I know how you feel, Skip died the day we buried my mon in 1999. Will be sending a card shorty.May the Lord comfort you and give you peace at this time Kay and Charles Martini.
October 12, 2013
Cousin Bev and family , so sorry to hear about Skip, you two always welcome us to your home when we were going to Delware many memories were made , It was a joy getting to know Skip, thoughts and prayers are with you all. THE SMITH'S family
jim Gardiner
October 12, 2013
I'm praying God's peace and present's will be with the family. love, jim
October 12, 2013
so sorry to hear the loss of Skip, my cousin Bev Husband was a joy to know, I wish you peace Pat
Jinx Mandel
October 11, 2013
So sorry to hear about Skip's passing. My condolences to his family and friends.
Jinx (Judy) Mandel
October 11, 2013
I reconnected with Skip (formerly Carl) while working on our 50th high school reunion. My fondest memories of Carl is when we competed against each other to determine who would wrestle heavyweight for our high school wrestling team. Great competitor who will be sorely missed.
Carl Bonfiglio Niles Township H.S. class of 1959
Ross Kiener
October 10, 2013
My sympathies to the Loescher family. I met Skip once in DC with his son Mick. It was a pleasure to meet the man I heard on the radio growing up as a kid.
October 9, 2013
Skip,
I worked with you at WCCO-TV Minneapolis and in DC. The world of journalism will miss you, as will those of us fortunate enough to have known you as a colleague and as a friend. Tom Hendrick.
October 9, 2013
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Julie Watts
October 9, 2013
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Tom Ziegler
October 8, 2013
Many of us realized we had hit the big time when we landed at WCCO and got to work with Skip who already was considered a legend for his body of work while a lot of us were still in high school. Cool under pressure, smooth on the air and a load of gravel in his voice with his signature " 'CCO news" sign off, that was our Skip.
In 1987, we brought our Twin's World Series coverage circus to D.C. for a visit to the Capitol and the White House and worked out of Skip's bureau. He and Skip Erickson sent us out with a battery powered two channel audio mixer with loose XLR connectors. Skip asked afterwards what I thought of the Rose Garden and I told him I spent the event on my knees trying to hold the connectors and the mixer between my knees to keep them from falling apart with a brick phone in the crook of my neck, Minneapolis yelling at me through the phone and a secret service agent with a holstered sidearm telling me to get out of there but I got a chance to see Ronald Reagan's wingtips as he strolled past me on the grass. Skip and I laughed about that story for the few years we had left working together.
The man cut a wide swath in the business and in life. What a treasure.
Lodin Family
October 7, 2013
we always enjoyed Skip on our local Twin Cities newcast... he was a great journalist and will never be forgotten. Prayers for his family and loved ones
Lodin Family
October 7, 2013
we always enjoyed Skip on our local WCCO Twin Cities newcast... he was a great journalist and will never be forgotten. Prayers for his family and loved ones.
October 7, 2013
Skip was a gentleman, fine reporter in the 'old school' WCCO tradition> I worked with him in Mpls and in DC. He will be missed. -T0m Hendrick
October 7, 2013
What a pleasure it was to work with and be friends with Skip from 1970 to 1990 at WCCO TV. It was fitting that he anchored a segment of our newscasts titled, "Action News".
It gave viewers the opportunity to have someone (Skip) to help them with their everyday problems. Skip LOVED helping people. My heart goes out to his entire family.
Good Bye dear friend. Until we meet again. R.J. Fritz
October 7, 2013
Skip was a great person to work with and to be friends with at WCCO TV, from 1970 to 1990. It was appropriate that he anchored a segment titled: "Action News"....it was a way for viewers to have their problems in the community solved.
Skip loved helping people. My heart goes out to his entire family. R.J. Fritz
Bll Gorman
October 7, 2013
Always a pleasure to run into Skip on a big story. Always a gentleman, a friend and a real professional. Have missed him over the last few years. RIP Mister Loescher.
John Merli
October 7, 2013
Skip was a cherished friend both in St. Paul and DC, and a tremendous help in my transitioning back to Washington's way of doing things almost 30 years ago. He was a true role model for other political reporters. RIP, Skip.
Aaron Howse
October 7, 2013
I will always remember working with Skip. He was a great leader of the NewSource team when I worked with him. He pushed us all to do better and was always professional and driven to get it right. He will be missed.
Paula Evans
October 7, 2013
Suzy, Q and family, our heartfelt prayers and blessing out your way! God Bless!
bill prasad
October 7, 2013
Skip helped me in my first network job at News Source. He was a kind man and a great reporter.
Doug Reitan
October 7, 2013
My deepest sympathies to the Loescher family. I had the privilege and honor to be an intern in DC for Jefferson Pilot Broadcasting during the summer of 1983. What a joy for this Minnesota boy to be in the same office as the WCCO Washington bureau which shared broadcast studios with two other companies. He was always gracious, friendly and would offer up answers to all the college interns in the bureau. Rest in Peace Skip! I have fond memories of you!
Michael Kinney
October 7, 2013
I will always cherish my memories of working with Skip at the Newsource bureau in 2000-2002. He was always kind, upbeat, and level-headed...characteristics not always present in TV news reporters. I say "working with," because as others have said, he was my boss but much more my colleague. He was Old School, a journalist who always put the Five Ws first, and just a great guy.
He made it a real pleasure and privilege to come to work every day, and I'll miss teasing him over his Capris as we shared a smoke on the bureau roof between live hits.
Caroline Lowe
October 7, 2013
Skip was my mentor and boss when I was very young rookie back in 1978 at WCCO. He was an amazing leader who inspired so many of us to pursue careers in journalism, to never give up chasing a story but to always be fair and decent to the people we covered. Jack and I send our condolences to Bev and their children.
Doug Stone
October 7, 2013
I have great memories working with Skip at WCCO-TV when he was running the Washington Bureau. He was a true professional and a good guy. Condolences to his family. He will be missed.
Lyle Nelson
October 7, 2013
Sincere condolences to the Loescher family. I worked with "Skipper" at KMMT TV in Austin, Minnesota early in his career. Wonderful memories.
Linda (Olson) Moyer
October 6, 2013
Jeff, Mike & all the Loescher's:
I haven't seen you two in ages but I sure haven't forgotten you, although you may not remember me. In 1969-1970 I lived with your family off of 60th & Chicago when your dad worked at WCCO; this was prior to the birth of your sister. I went to school during the day and watched you boys in the evenings, especially when your mom went to pick your dad up at the station. Betty and Skip were two of the kindest, most generous people I've ever known and I'm sorry I lost contact with them over the years.
Lee and I send our deepest sympathy to all of your family members.
Lori Dodf
October 6, 2013
Wish we were closer to you guys and could be there with you. Our love, thoughts and prayers are with you Aunt Beverly, Aunt Phyllis, Leslie, Stephen and the entire family. Uncle Skip was a wonderful man and will be missed
Roger Mellen
October 6, 2013
As a producer for CNN Newsource, I whispered in Skip's ear for many years. It was great to finally meet him in DC. He was a wonderful man to work with. I shall miss him.
October 6, 2013
Some of the best times I had while working at WCCO were with Skip. An ethical old-school reporter he was always considerate of the people he worked with and I enjoyed him both as a co-worker and a friend. So long old pal, you left too soon.
Doug Nemanic
Steve Dornfeld
October 6, 2013
My sincere condolences. I always enjoyed working with, and competing against, Skip during our days at the Minnesota State Capitol. He was a good reporter and a great guy!
October 6, 2013
I'm so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in family, friends and prayer (Psalm 65:2) during this time.
Kathleen Koch
October 6, 2013
A serious news professional, Skip never took himself too seriously. Even under deadline he had time to share a kind, encouraging word. I was awed by the way he cut to the essence of stories with wit and wisdom. I was honored to work with him and to learn from him. He was one of a kind, and one of the best.
Jackie Hines
October 6, 2013
My sincerest condolences, Beverly & Family. Skip was definitely one of the "good" guys
Pete Holste
October 6, 2013
Fair and unambiguous in his reporting, Skip's example was clearly a template for good journalism. We were very fortunate to have had him in the Twin Cities for so many years. His voice will be missed.
Jerry DeMink
October 6, 2013
Had the pleasure of working with Skip for many years, in many places. A true pro and gentleman. My condolences to the family.
October 6, 2013
Very sorry to hear of the passing of Skip. He was a very good journalist and well liked here in the Twin Cities. My deepest sympathy to family and friends.
Skip Erickson
October 6, 2013
I had the honor of being Skip's photog for the last four years of the WCCO Washington Bureau. There was no better reporter than Skip to share the foxhole of broadcast journalism - not only did he understand the medium, the story and the politics, he was also always willing to carry the tripod and the light case. Together we dragged a ridiculous amount of gear through the halls of Congress, down to the White House and into every federal agency. The stories ranged from the common to the complex but on big news events like Iran-Contra and the fall of Iron Curtain, he shone. His outstanding reporting and writing made the confusing clear to the folks back in the Midwest - there was nobody better at putting words and pictures together.
Even though he was my boss, he always treated me as a colleague and a collaborator. Behind the face of a serious and focused correspondent was a whole lot of compassion, heart and humor. Those of us in both Minneapolis and in Washington who worked with him were very lucky – we had the privilege of standing shoulder to shoulder with one of the best of our business.
Anne and I send our deepest sympathies to Bev and the family. Please know that Skip's life will be remembered and celebrated by many for years to come.
Donald Hagenson
October 6, 2013
My THOUGHTS & PRAYERS go to the LOESCHER family! You'll be missed by many FRIENDS.... RIP SKIP
Alyce and Harvey Goldberg
October 6, 2013
Skip was a great journalist but more importantly he was s great person. We had a lot of good times together in Minneapolis and Washington. Our sympathies go out to Bev, the children and grandchildren.
Richard Mitchell
October 6, 2013
To Skip's Family, My condolences and want you to know that I will miss him like a family member, he inspired me to go into Radio/News reporting and since I was in the 8th grade including Skip all said I sounded like his doppelganger on the air. This saddens me, I lost my Icon and friend when he worked at WCCO, That is where I 1st met him and we both laughed that the 2 of us were like twins on the air and I patterned my reporting after his after college. It is a great loss to the Journalism field of a Man who stood tall and helped others when he had his segment of Action News here in Minneapolis/St.Paul. He was my Hero and always presented the news the way Walter Cronkite would have in the darkest hours of any story and he did it caring and with Humility. Thank you Skip for being my friend.
Mark Rosen
October 6, 2013
From Action News to Wash D.C. Skip was an original and a great mentor to this cub reporter in the early 70's at WCCO TV. My condolences to all.
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