Richard M. Loeffler, M.D.

Richard “Dick” Loeffler, M.D., 89, of Sylvania, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on April 3, 2021 at his home. Born November 16, 1931 in Monroe, MI to the late Earl and Bernadine (Dey) Loeffler, he married his high school sweetheart, Frances “Franke” Liedel, who was his devoted wife of nearly 58 years and preceded him in death in 2015. Dick graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1954 and the Stritch School of Medicine at Loyola University, Chicago in 1958. As an orthopedic surgeon specializing in knee and hip replacements, he served the Toledo community, primarily at St. Charles Hospital, for more than 30 years. He first practiced medicine at Skopek Loeffler Medical Corp. before founding Orthopedic Associates, Inc. with Dr. Dennis Assenmacher. In the early 1980s Dick served as the Chief of Orthopedics at St. Charles. He served on numerous medical organization committees and was a parishioner at Christ the King Catholic Church. Dedicated to helping heal others, he was respected and beloved by his patients and colleagues alike. Above all, he was a devoted and loving husband and father. In addition to raising five daughters, he and Franke enjoyed Bridge parties, dining out with friends, and traveling, especially to their vacation home in Florida and Northern Michigan with their “Lake Family.” Dick was a voracious reader and loved playing cards. He learned his favorite game, Cribbage, from his father and passed the tradition on to his children and grandchildren. Dick was passionate about sports, especially Notre Dame football. In high school, he played basketball and baseball, and was the starting quarterback on the football team, where his teammates nicknamed him “Red.” One of his greatest joys was playing golf and exploring different courses. He especially relished his Thursday golf outings at Sylvania Country Club, where he was a lifetime member. Dick will be remembered for his love of family, dedication to his patients, and abundant generosity. Those lucky enough to have known him spoke of his kind, gentle and compassionate spirit. His good nature, along with his humble, patient demeanor, endeared him to all. Dick’s memory will be cherished by his beloved daughters Ellen (Steve) Kalinoski of Sylvania, Gretchen (Ken) Farwick of Cincinnati, Bridget (Marty) Wilhelm of Toledo, Margo (Brian) Saas of Columbus, and Ingrid (Chris) Palmer of Evergreen, Colo.; grandchildren Lauren (Dan), Rachel, Mara, Sara, Marley, Ben, Will, Charlie, Chance and Collin; and sister Bebe Eckles. Dick was preceded in death by siblings Rev. Earl Loeffler, Phyllis Lacure, and Jeanne Byron. The family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. until the time of his eulogy at 10:15 a.m. and memorial Mass at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, April 12, 2021 at Corpus Christi University Parish, Toledo, OH. The service will be live streamed at ccup.org. Interment will be private. Donations can be made to the Mercy Health Foundation of Greater Toledo (St. Charles) at foundation.mercy.com/toledo.aspx. Online condolences can be expressed on the Tribute Wall of this page.