by Leanne Loy
On Jan.11, Gov. Tim Walz ordered the flags in Minnesota to be flown at half staff in honor of local St. Joseph resident Andy Loso.
Captain Andy Loso, 42, passed away on Nov. 23, 2021, due to complications with Covid-19. Loso was a prominent member of the St. Joseph community, and the residents will miss his presence greatly.
According to the St. Joseph fire department, during his 19 years, Loso was very active in responding to the needs of the community. And he took great pride in helping to educate many kids during Fire Prevention Week each year at the schools.
“Captain Loso was a dedicated firefighter who was respected by his family, friends and colleagues,” a statement issued by Gov. Walz reads. “With its deepest gratitude, the State of Minnesota recognizes Captain Loso for his dedicated service to, and sacrifice for, his fellow Minnesotans, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and community.”
The Newsleaders itself is quite familiar with the Loso name. In fact, it was just last year our own Dennis Dalman, former editor and 40-plus-year veteran reporter, interviewed Loso as the youngest Grand Marshal to grace the annual Fourth of July Parade in St. Joseph.
“The last name “Loso” is practically synonymous with “St. Joseph,” Dalman writes. “In fact, its first settler was a Loso, so it was so appropriate one of the many Losos –[was] grand marshal in [the parade].”
Loso thought that someone was “pulling his leg” when he found out he was to be Grand Marshal; such an honor has never been given to someone so young. This is quite the testament to what he meant to this community.
In addition to working at the fire station, Loso was also involved with the St. Joseph Historical Society, the Catholic church and the St. Joseph cemetery.
Loso was born in San Diego, California, son of Terry, a U.S. Navy man; and his wife, Linda (Zinken) Loso. He moved to St. Joseph when he was only about 3 months old. After attending Catholic grade school in St. Joseph, he graduated from Apollo High School, then earned a degree in theology from St. John’s University.
Loso had a passion for restoring Model T vehicles. In fact, the one he rode in the parade last year was one of his own.
He is remembered as someone who always had something “clever” to say with that deadpan humor of his. If you have a special memory or story that you’d like to share, please send it to news@thenewsleaders.com. We’d love to share those memories with the St. Joseph community on our Facebook page.
Andy Loso, third-generation fire fighter.
Grand Marshal Andy Loso waves to fans and well-wishers during the Fourth of July Parade in St. Joseph. The Model T truck he is riding in is his own vehicle. His hobby was restoring Model T’s
