Gerald F. Loft

Gerald F. LoftGerald F. Loft, 95 of Tipton died at 5:54 p.m. on Wednesday, January 8, 2014 at IU Health Tipton Hospital.  He was born April 3, 1918 in Lafayette to James F. & Dorotha O. (Hoshaw) Loft.  On May 10, 1941 he married Dorothy E. Wappes and she preceded him in death on June 18, 2007.Gerald was the Branch Manager of Farm Bureau Co-Op in Tipton retiring in 1980.  He was a graduate of Dayton High School class of 1938 and attended Purdue University.  Gerald was a lifetime member of the Fraternal Order of Police, a member of the Valley of Indianapolis Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, and Austin Lodge #128 F& A.M.He served in the United States Army during World War II from 1942-1946.  He was a Technician 4th grade for Service Company 22nd Tank Battalion.  He was involved in the battles of Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe.  Gerald was Honorably Discharged and awarded the American Theater Ribbon, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three bronze stars, Good Conduct Ribbon and the Victory Medal.Gerald was the best dad, granddad, and great granddad anyone could ever have.  He was vey active and involved in all of his families' lives. He is survived by two daughters, Frieda Coy and John Tucher, Largo, Florida, Nancy Ashley and husband Jim, Tipton; two brothers, Donald R. "Bob" Loft and wife Erma, Lafayette, Raymond D. "Delbert" Loft, California; five sisters, Mary Watts and husband John, Crawfordville, Dorothy Brown, Michigan, Mirium Dye, Lafayette, Joy Stuckel and husband Glenn, Louisville, Kentucky, Janet Anderson and husband Charles, Williamsport, Indiana.He is also survived by four grandchildren, Brian Coy, Scott Coy, Kelli McGregor, Brad Vanosdol, nine great-grandchildren, Stacy, Charlie, Levi Coy, Becca, Emma, Sam McGregor, Connor, Taylor, and Clare Vanosdol.Gerald was preceded in death by brothers and sisters Ralph Loft, Paul Loft, Jim Loft, Elizabeth "Sis" Carlson and Betty Cliff.Funeral services for Gerald will be at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, January 13 at Young-Nichols Funeral Home with Revs. Steve Loft, Barbara Loft and Charles Anderson presiding.  Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery with military honors.  Visitation will be from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Monday with a Masonic Service at 2:30 p.m.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Tipton American Legion, 129 N. Independence Street, Tipton, Indiana, 46072.The family would like to thank his special friends, Jerry and Sandy Tate along with his granddaughter Becca McGregor.  With their help Gerald lived his final years where he wanted ... in his own home.