Gerald W. Loar

During the early morning of June 13, Jerry Loar, a child of God joined the heavenly chorus and “we wish we could have seen the angels faces when they heard his sweet voice sing.” A double rainbow rose over the sand bar on White Sand Lake and his lilacs bloomed as never before.

He was 89 years old and married to Sauntra Dillman Loar for 64 years. They met when Jerry was 2-year-old. She was holding his hand as he gave his last breath to this world. His ashes will remain with many of Sauntra’s family in Bethany Lutheran cemetery in Irma, WI, at a future date when the hills are ablaze with the predictable miracle of fall colors.

Preceding him in death were his Grandparents, Willis and Emma Thompkins Mecherle, who created State Farm Insurance, his mother Alwillah Mecherle Loar and father Nelson A. Loar, his brothers; Roger and Randy Loar. Remaining are brother Nelson and sister Valerie Loar Kiefe. Also his children Jay Dillman Loar, loving wife Elizabeth Alexander Loar, and daughter Amber Loar Weldon and beloved son-in-law Jeff Weldon and their sons Cole (Ally) Weldon and Seth (Kayla) Weldon, his brother and sister in law Dennis and Sue Dillman Robertson, who along with their children; Stephanie and husband Todd Skotterud, continue to operate as the fifth generation of the family business, Dillman’s Bay Resort on White Sand Lake near Lac du Flambeau. Nephew Scott and husband James Deskevich live and work in New York City.

Jerry graduated Peoria High School and earned a swimming scholarship to Colorado University where he graduated with degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Business. Jerry also served 7 years in the United States Naval Reserve.

He joined the Dillman’s Sand Lake Lodge family business when he married Sauntra. Together they operated the resort along with Sue and Denny Robertson until they retired and moved to the shores of Mid Lake near Woodruff.

Jerry’s great loves were being outdoors, hunting and fishing, and singing gospel music with Sauntra. They had a gospel band, and they sang at churches, nursing homes, and other spots around the country, creating CDs of their music and donating the proceeds to local churches.

Services will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2024 at Lake Tomahawk Bible Church at 10 a.m., with luncheon to follow elsewhere. 

In lieu of flowers, family would appreciate donations to Lake Tomahawk Bible Church.