In memory of Mo Loehmann, help Elizabeth get home!

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Maurice Loehmann, Jr. (Dec 21st, 1952 - April 30th, 2020)

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HIS STORY:

Mo Loehmann was an exceptionally caring friend, father, husband, brother, and brother-in-law over the 67 years of his life. Born and raised in Terre Haute, Indiana, he fell in love with Christine Duperon and they married in October 1975. From a young age Mo had a passion for dirt bikes, Indy cars, and photography. After moving out west through Boise and the Tri-Cities, Mo and Chris finally settled in Portland, Oregon in the mid '80s. In February 1994, their family came together as they adopted their child, Elizabeth (myself).

Over the years, Dad worked for various TV news stations as a videographer. He made many friends and touched many hearts with his kind, gentle demeanor. In his free time Dad would ride Vintage Motocross, go to Indy car races, and photograph almost anything you can think of. (His favorite being scenery and of course his family.) He led a fulfilling life that unfortunately took a turn for the worse twice in his life.

At the age of 56, Chris passed away from ALS and early on-set dementia. This shook the entire foundation of Dad's life. He was heartbroken, and suddenly had to raise a 15yo kid by himself. He did an amazing job while continuing to work at News Channel 8 (KGW) while taking care of me. Dad was my hero through and through. After being forced into retirement, he found joy in volunteering at the World of Speed museum on the weekends. However, it became clear that Dad was very depressed and he never moved passed the death of his life-long love.

Dad's health began to mirror his broken heart. In 2015, we took Dad to the hospital after becoming nearly unconscious from lack of oxygen. He then had to begin frequently using oxygen. Two years later Dad had a heart attack and was diagnosed with congestive heart failure, but he continued to fight through it. In November 2018, Dad moved back to Terre Haute where he could be with his sisters. Shortly after in April 2019 he was diagnosed with non-alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver (liver failure), then followed kidney failure in October. During my visit in December 2019, he was placed into the hospital for low blood pressure.

Even while enduring all of the medical hardships, Dad tried to make the best of his life. He reached out to old friends back on the west coast to reconnect, giving him a beam of light rekindling old friendships. Dad also continued to cook and spend time with his two dogs, Sam (12) and Milo (2). His dogs were the highlight of his photography in the last few years of his life.

During the peak of COVID-19, Dad continued his dialysis treatment three times a week. April 17th, 2020 he was placed into the hospital after falling episodes. He was told he would come home May 7th after rehabilitation. However, by April 27th his ammonia levels skyrocketed, leaving him confused and ultimately shut down the rest of his body after he was struggling for so long. In his will Dad had asked to not be put on life support, so making the extremely hard decision on April 30th, I asked the nurse to help make him comfortable. I got to say my heartbreaking goodbyes via FaceTime since I could not physically be with him. An hour later Dad took his last breath and passed on.

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WHY A "GOFUNDME":

Right after Dad passed, my amazing friend and roommate (Sierra B) went above and beyond to help drive me cross-country in 2 days to Terre Haute during the peak of COVID-19. For the last month my partner (Bobby L) and I have been in Indiana working on Dad's house-- sorting through medical bills and paperwork, packing up memories, cleaning up the house, taking care of the dogs, and getting Dad's estate set-up. It has been both emotionally and physically exhausting, especially doing this alone at age 26. We have now reached a point where we need to go back home to move forward with our jobs and home life.

During this time we have come to find that Dad had almost no money or assets saved away, living paycheck to paycheck. He had borrowed from his pension earlier in life, so he has very little left to be passed along. Since he moved out here so recently there is very little equity on his house. His medical bills and debt are currently over $10,000. The estate is now only beginning to open up, and the process could take up to 9 months to end.

Unfortunately this trip has been very expensive and has drained both Bobby and my checking and savings accounts. We have two dogs to transport back to Oregon, but no car or moving van to get us back. We will also not have enough time or money to attempt to move any of the wonderful memories and furniture back with us this time around.

We are asking for help because we cannot do this alone. Dad's long time friend, Brian R, made a memorial post for Dad on FaceBook. After seeing all of the love and kindness pour in for my father from his friends who he brought smiles to, there were many people asking how they could help. Since we cannot do a memorial quite yet, we are asking for support. We hope to put together a BBQ and a celebration of life later this summer, or a virtual memorial for Dad at some point once we are back home.

Bobby and I are hoping to leave within the next week or two to return back home. I know it is a short time frame, but every little bit will help us with our journey. Any amount raised over the goal will go towards keeping the pups, Milo and Sam, happy and healthy, and the eventual return trip to bring the memories and furniture back.

We understand that these are uncertain times, but I know there are so many people who loved Dad and want to help. I wish to follow in my father's foot steps and move forward to cary on his legacy. Mo Loehmann was an amazing man, and the best father and hero a kid could ask for.