Loren "Tony" Anthony McLaughlin

December 28, 1931 - April 13, 2016

Loren “Tony” Anthony McLaughlin, 84, of Mason City died Wednesday, April 13, 2016 at Good Shepherd Nursing Home. A Wake will be held from 4-7 pm on Sunday, April 17, 2016, at Fullerton Funeral Home with a 6:30 pm Vigil Service. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 am on Monday, April 18, 2016, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 302 5th St SE, Mason City, with Father Rodney Allers officiating. Interment will follow at Sacred Heart Catholic Church Cemetery in Rockwell, IA. Tony was born on December 28, 1931 in Rockwell to John “Bud” and Erma (Scholl) McLaughlin. He attended school in Swaledale and graduated from Swaledale High School in 1951. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War and was honorably discharged. On September 27, 1955 he was united in marriage to Margaret Buckley. She was the love of his life. The couple met at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake and became inseparable ever since. They enjoyed golfing and dancing together and even won a national dancing contest. Tony also enjoyed fishing trips up north with family and friends. Later in life he participated in many of the area tractor rides. In 2005 Tony and Margaret took a memorable trip to Ireland to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. Tony was a hard worker throughout his life. For a few years he farmed near Swaledale with his parents, and drove a tank truck for Ernie Peters. Tony then began working at Sears selling farm equipment and later worked for Bill Reed with Surge Co. He eventually owned and operated his own business: Sinclair Petroleum Marketing Business for several years then sold the business to ARCO Supply Company. Tony worked with ARCO for several more years before leaving the petroleum business to purchase a dairy farm North of Hanlontown, IA. Tony and Margaret farmed from 1971 until the late 90’s when he retired and moved to Mason City. Tony was a member of the Mason City Moose Lodge, Rockwell American Legion and St. Joseph Catholic Church/Holy Family Catholic Church while residing in Mason City. Tony and Margaret were also members of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Manly for many years prior to living in Mason City; both being devoted Catholics their whole life. He will be remembered by his family and friends as a fun loving and caring person who loved talking and visiting with others. He was always willing to help others. He was a loving dad, grandpa and husband. Tony diligently visited his wife after she became ill with dementia and their love story became parallel to “The Notebook.” He deeply cared for her up until his death. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Margaret McLaughlin of Mason City; 8 children: Michael (Jill) McLaughlin of Mason City, Kathy Cordle of Loveland, CO, Theresa (Kim) DeWitt of Mason City, Patrick (Wanda) McLaughlin of Manly, John (Monica) McLaughlin of Kensett, Laurie (Rod) Been of Belmond, Charles (Carla) McLaughlin of Mason City and Matthew (Melanie) McLaughlin of Liberty, MO; twin brother, Loras “Pete” (Ethel) McLaughlin of Clear Lake; sister-in-law, Dolores McLaughlin of Mason City; 22 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; and many other loving relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bud and Erma McLaughlin; infant son, Patrick Raymond McLaughlin; sister, Dorothy (Alvin) Hobbiebrunken and brother, LaVerne McLaughlin. Online condolences may be left at www.fullertonfh.com. Fullerton Funeral Home, 123 2nd St SE, Mason City, IA 50401, 641-423-8676 www.Fullertonfh.com