Cmdr. Thomas Lee Loosbrock, Ret.

Born in Adrian, Minnesota, Commander Loosbrock began his career in the Navy in 1960. Within 1.5 years Tom was recognized for his leadership skills and intellect, and was recommended and accepted into the NROTC Program (Univ. of Minn.) as a midshipman that led to a career as a Naval Aviator. This is where he met and dedicated his life to his wife of 46 years, Jo Loosbrock, whom he married on April 18, 1964. Coming from a small town they both wanted to travel extensively. The adventurous couple spent 23 years exploring the world before he retired in San Diego in 1984.

Commander Loosbrock had a distinguished military career. He was stationed all over the globe. He graduated 1st in his flight class which allowed him to choose which plane he wanted to fly. He chose the land-based P-3 Orion so he could always be close to his family. He was also an NROTC Flight Trainer - one of the first flying the T-28 Trojan and the Marlin P5M seaplanes.

Tom held three things dear to his heart… God, Family and Country. He worked and proved time and time again that he was fiercely dedicated to his family, religion and his country. During his military career while fighting in Vietnam he earned an Air medal and a Vietnam Service medal with 4 Bronze stars. He was a very loving, overly generous, and stoic man with a strong moral sense and strict values that defined the core of who he was.

He was also a proud member of Ascension Catholic Parish for over 41 years and helped build it literally from the ground up. Thomas was an avid athlete, competing fiercely in baseball, basketball, ice hockey and golf.

Tom was predeceased by his wife, Jo Loosbrock, of 46 years. He is survived by his four children Michael Loosbrock (Casey, Carson), Michelle Fogarty (Ryan, Jack, Maggie), Benjamin Loosbrock, Diane Chung (Jaimin-spouse, Maximus, Thomas).

Tom had prostate cancer and fought it for several decades until it eventually metastasized into his bones. He fought bravely but eventually it took his life.

A memorial mass will be held on Wednesday, July 20 at Ascension Parish at 11:00 am, followed at 2:30 pm by a Navy Honor Ceremony at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, where he will join his wife for eternity.

Please join us from 4-7pm at the American Legion Post 460 for an informal celebration honoring his favorite watering hole. He also has a plaque honoring him at Mt. Soledad Vietnam National Veterans Memorial if you would like to visit him quietly.