Memorial services for Barry Loos, 60, of Albert Lea will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday at First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. The Rev. John Holt and the Rev. Bill Dexeimer Pharris will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.
Barry passed away after a year long battle with leukemia Friday, March 6, 2009, at his home surrounded by his loving family and friends.
Barry was born on Feb. 1, 1949, in Fairmont, to Bob and Janet (Drager) Loos. He was raised in Sherburn until he was in the 6th grade. Barry then moved with his family to Estherville, Iowa, where he was a four sport, all star athlete and where he graduated from high school. After high school, Barry attended the University of Southern Colorado on a football scholarship. While there he was the starting quarterback and a golden glove winner in baseball. While in his senior year of college, Barry was united in marriage with Bev Mertes on Feb. 27, 1971, in Pueblo, Colo. After his graduation from the University of Southern Colorado he went on to receive his masters degree at Minnesota State University in Mankato. While there he also earned his 6th year certificate in educational leadership. Barry was a phy-ed and science teacher and also coached football, basketball, and baseball. He then went into school administration from 1980 to 2008 when he could no longer work due to his illness. Throughout the different communities Barry lived in, he was active in groups including Jaycees, Ducks Unlimited, volunteer fire fighter, Sunday school teacher, and adult Sunday school coordinator. Some of the awards he received were citizenship awards, coach of the year, and he was a two time recipient for being teacher of the year. He was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. Barry was an avid hunter and fisherman. Barry loved spending time with his wife, kids, and grandbabies. He enjoyed being “Papa Bear” and looked forward to taking his grandbabies bullhead fishing this summer. His greatest passion was his family.
Survivors include his wife, Bev; children: Brian (Jenny) Loos and Brandi (Tim) Dirkes; grandchildren: Addison Dirkes, Max Loos, and his expected grandchild in June; brother, Mark Loos; sister, Gayle Cook; sister in law, Janice Sanftner; brother in law, Steven Mertes; aunts and uncle: Phyllis Arndt and Darlene (Pal) Eisenmenger; and nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Barry was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; great nephew, Carter Hogen, and several aunts and uncles.
Blessed be his memory.
In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred.