Obituary: Rodney W. Loose

Rodney W. Loose, age 85, of Delta, CO, passed away on May 8, 2024 at his home after a short battle with lung cancer. He was born on September 9, 1938 at St. Agnes Hospital in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, son of Elmer and Gertrude (Lau) Loose. He was baptized on October 2, 1938, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Rantoul, Wisconsin.

Rod attended Trinity Lutheran School in Rantoul. Following elementary school, he enrolled in Concordia High School in Milwaukee. His college years were spent at St. John’s College in Winfield, Kansas and Concordia Senior College in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Following college, Rodney enrolled in Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, where he began his preparation toward becoming a Lutheran pastor. He graduated from there in 1966.

While at the seminary, he met and married Vera Strelow. God blessed them with three children: Grace (Teacher), Curtis (Business Administration), and Suzanne (Lawyer).

Rev. Loose served parishes in Sulpher, LA (5 years), Scottsboro, AL (7 years), Osceola, IA (3 years), Jackson, MS (14 years), and Shreveport, LA (10 years). Following retirement in 2003, he served Immanuel Lutheran Church in Paonia, CO another 10 years.

Paster Loose and his wife have been thankful to make many friends over the years and have loved the time they were able to serve the Lord through the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. Rodney will be best remembered for his faithful service to many congregations, his love of a great joke, and his love for traveling around the world with his wife and to see his family.

Survivors include his wife Vera of 62 years; his children Grace (Dave) Dierks, Curt Loose, Suzanne (Tom McPheron) Loose; his grandchildren Jane and Evan; his brother Duane (Karen) Loose; two sisters-in-law, Cheryl Knier and Evy Loose, and many nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Wesley Loose and Darrell Loose; and many Strelow in-laws.

A viewing was held on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Delta, Colorado. Funeral services followed at 10:00 a.m. with graveside services at Mesa View Cemetery.

“God will do this, for he is faithful to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:9