Dr. James Loch

Hastings resident, Dr. James L. Loch, 70, passed away Friday, July 28, 2017 at Mary Lanning Healthcare.

Celebration of Life will be Tuesday, August 1, 2017; 10:00 A.M. at First St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Hastings with Pastor Joel Remmers &PastorAndrea Paulson officiating. Burial will be in Parkview Cemetery, Hastings. Memorials may be given to Hastings College Foundation Scholarship, to the Secondary Education Department. Visitation will be Monday, July 31, 2017; 5:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. with family present at the funeral home, and one hour prior to service at the church.

James was born October 1, 1946 in Pawnee City, Nebraska to John & Margorie (Cyphers) Loch. He graduated from Pawnee City High School in 1964. He attended Nebraska Wesleyan University and received a Bachelor of Music degree in 1968. Later that year, he began his career in education as Director of Vocal Music at Adams Central Junior - Senior High School outside Hastings, Nebraska. In 1989, Dr. Loch left Adams Central to pursue his Doctorate in Education at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln, which he completed in August 1991. In 1992, he returned to Adams Central becoming Director of Vocal Music with additional responsibilities in Staff Development, & Student Services. In 1998, Dr. Loch became principal of Adams Central until he retired in 2005. Dr. Loch then joined the Hastings College faculty in 2005 as an Assistant Professor of Teacher Education. He was promoted to Associate Professor in 2009 and earned tenure in 2011. While at Hastings College, he taught classes in growth and learning and secondary education. Dr. Loch also served as Director of Field Studies where he supervised hundreds of student teachers during his time. He retired at Hastings College in May 2017 and the college conferred an Honorary Degree, Doctor of Humane Letters in May 2017 in recognition of his outstanding contributions and loyalty to Hastings College. Dr. Loch married his wife Jeanne in 1972, and they have two adult sons, Jeremy and Andrew.

James was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter Lilly Ruth Loch.

SURVIVORS:
Wife:
Jeanne Loch - Hastings, NE
Children & Spouse:
Jeremy & Amy Loch and their daughter, Lia Elizabeth Loch - Chicago, IL
Andrew Loch - Omaha, NE
Special Friends:
John & Bernadine Wherry - Pawnee City, NE
Brothers & Sisters-in-Law:
Roger & Terri Stewart - Fairbury, NE
Dr. Guy & Ruth Stewart - Fairbury, NE
Nieces & Nephews & Their Families:
Tyler & Michelle Stewart - Fairbury, NE
Heath & Brittny Stewart - Beatrice, NE
Landon & Danni Stewart - Louisville, NE
Sara & Sam Boudty - Lincoln, NE