John Bernard Loschke

January 23, 1950 - April 15, 2026

John B. Loschke, 76, passed away in Parachute, Colorado on April 15, 2026, surrounded by the love of his life, his rock, and undoubtedly the only person who could keep him in line, Sherry (Burnside) Loschke, along with their children, Joseph and Nicole. 

He was born January 23, 1950, to Margaret “Peggy” O’Neill and Louis B. Loschke in Kansas City, Missouri. One of eight children, he learned early how to negotiate, defend himself, and eat quickly. Known as “Johnny” in his younger years, he attended Visitation Catholic grade school and, in 1969, graduated from the Christian Brothers’ De La Salle High School, where he reportedly received a well-rounded education in academics, discipline, and how not to get caught. Johnny was known for causing a little havoc and playing baseball like he meant it. 

His early career included working at Temple Slug, testing waterbeds, and at Freedom Palace, a short-lived but legendary Kansas City concert hall, helping his older brother Jimmy with management, crowd control, and “environmental remediation.”

John eventually bought a van with a friend, and fled Kansas City, headed West to sell Native American jewelry. His journey West led him to the Colorado boomtown of Parachute, where his cousin Pat O’Neill had dreams of opening an Irish Pub called O’Leary’s.

It was at O’Leary’s where John met Bill Burnside, who insisted he meet his daughter, Sherry. John agreed, and within a few short months, it was clear he’d made one of the best decisions of his life.

John and Sherry were married in the blizzard of 1982, which felt like an appropriate start to a marriage that could weather absolutely anything. Together they built a life full of love, laughter, and just enough chaos to keep things interesting. Their son Joe was born on St. Patrick’s Day, cementing John’s pride in his Irish roots. Their daughter Nicole followed three years later, completing the team.

For about 40 years, John served the Parachute and Battlement Mesa community with energy, dedication, and a healthy dose of sarcasm. He coached Pee Wee Basketball before he even had kids, worked as a bartender and occasional pool shark, and co-founded Old West Pizza Company with Sherry. Through every economic boom and bust, John showed up with a sense of humor and a willingness to roll up his sleeves.

John served the Town of Parachute for 37 years, including 12 as Mayor. He was also a Trustee, Town Council member, School Board member, and involved in the Grand Valley Educational Foundation. He helped establish the Mt. Callahan Community Fund, volunteered as a firefighter, and coached just about every youth sport available—eventually making his way to coaching Grand Valley High School golf, where patience became less optional.

John was deeply dedicated to his family, his community, and the fine art of sarcasm. His wit, one-liners, and perfectly timed comments are already being repeated by those who knew him best.

His impact on the community—and his ability to get the last word—will live on for years to come. He leaves behind a legacy of service, laughter, and just enough mischief to keep things interesting. He will be greatly missed, fondly remembered, and, without question, impossible to replace.

John was preceded in death by mother, Peggy O’Neill Loschke Tener, his father, Louis B. Loschke, stepfather Bill Tener, stepmother Gladys Loschke, brothers Jimmy and Joe Loschke, brother-in-law Jeff Allen, brother-in-law Ray Wynn, father-in-law Bill Burnside, mother-in-law Alena Douglas, and many others who have crossed to the other side. We are certain it’s a party up there. John is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 43 years, Sherry (Burnside) Loschke and his children, Joseph and Nicole Loschke. He is also survived by his six siblings, their partners, and many loved nieces and nephews: Mary Lou (Steve) McClune; Judy (Steve “Tex”) Watson; Nan (Patrick) Gunn; Mike (Jenell) Loschke; Jean Wynn; and Mark Loschke.

Services will be held Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 2:00 PM at the Grand Valley Fire Protection District Station in Battlement Mesa, Colorado (0124 Stone Quarry Road, Parachute, CO 81635). A celebration of life in Kansas City will be held at a date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Kidney Fund https://www.kidneyfund.org/