Richard J. McLoone

Richard (Dick) Joseph McLoone, born on December 3, 1932, to Dr. James Egan McLoone and Eleanor (Schaettle) McLoone, was a lifelong resident of La Crosse. He attended Campus Elementary School and Aquinas High School, where he participated in musicals, football, and tennis. 

After high school, Dick spent a year at St. Thomas University in Minnesota, before returning to complete his degree at La Crosse Teacher College (now UWL). It was there he met Beverly (Bev) Scheel, the love of his life. Together, they actively engaged in various sports and clubs, fostering a strong connection with the university. They were among the inaugural members to establish the UWL Alumni Association, dedicating time to garner support for alumni initiatives throughout their lives. 

In the 1950s, Dick enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. After five years of courtship, he and Bev married on December 27, 1956, and enjoyed 47 years of marriage, welcoming five children into their family. Sadly, Bev passed away in 2003. 

Following his military service, Dick became a teacher at Aquinas High School before transitioning to a successful 30+ year career as a stockbroker in La Crosse. He was actively involved in his community, serving on various boards and contributing philanthropically, while also sharing his knowledge as a guest instructor in business and finance at WTC, Viterbo, and UWL. 

Dick had a passion for collecting toys, especially an impressive Lionel train collection he started as a teenager. He also loved cycling, embarking on memorable road trips to Canada. His enthusiasm for tennis led him to compete in numerous tournaments, earning many trophies. Additionally, he had a fascination with cars, including building a kit car that he donated to the Bart Starr Foundation. 

His Marine Corps experience fostered a lasting bond with his basic training group, Foxtrot Company BC-3-56. Dick cherished these friendships, attending reunions, including the 50th anniversary in San Diego in 2006, where he proudly introduced his family to his military brothers. 

Dick and Bev enjoyed traveling the world together, creating unforgettable family adventures. From skiing and camping to deep-sea fishing and beach trips, they built a treasure trove of memories. At home in La Crosse, Dick found joy in providing fun for his children and neighbors, mowing a ball field or creating a go-cart path. His backyard pool oasis was a summer highlight, often accompanied by Louis Armstrong's music, where he and Bev loved to entertain. 

He is survived by his five children: Elizabeth, Barbara Wendell, Eleanore (Kenneth Johnson), Kathryn (John Isherwood), and Richard (Amy); nine cherished grandchildren: Zachary, Nicholas, Matthew, Dakota, Wyatt, Nora, Owen, Will, and Jack; his brother Robert (Pat) McLoone; and sister Ann (Mike) Rand. 

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Beverly, parents Dr. James and Eleanor McLoone, brother James, and sister Mary (Grode). 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at Blessed Sacrament Parish in La Crosse. Msgr. Steven Kachel will officiate. Visitation will be held from 4:30 pm until 7:00 pm on Monday evening at Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services, 200 West Ave. S., La Crosse, WI 54601 and one hour prior to Mass at the church on Tuesday. Burial will follow at The Catholic Cemetery in La Crosse. A livestream of Dick's funeral Mass can be found at the following link. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCR1KJ2RoBr7ebKNl26vlag

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the CNAs, nurses, and hospice care team at Eagle Crest Memory-Unit 4 for their compassionate care during Dick’s final months. Their dedication and patience in caring for those with dementia are truly exceptional. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Blessed Sacrament School, Aquinas Foundation, or Gundersen-Eagle Crest Memory Care. 

Psalm 4:8: “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for You alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.”