Carolyn Loughman
Carolyn Gail (Alberts) Loughman was born Jan. 20, 1942, in Holyoke to Glen and Winnie (Kepler) Alberts. She died Oct. 12, 2021, from the effects of COVID-19. While her family could not be with her in the hospital, the outpouring of love and support for her was immense.
The third of five sisters, Carolyn developed a love of reading at an early age. She learned to play the flute and proudly served as the drum majorette in the accomplished Holyoke High School marching band.
As a teenager, Carolyn worked at the local Dairy King, where she met Daniel Loughman. Carolyn spent countless hours watching Dan play baseball and fast-pitch softball, where she became his biggest fan. Dan and Carolyn were married at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Holyoke, on April 15, 1961.
In 1966, Dan’s job with the Bank for Cooperatives took their family to Wichita, Kansas, which quickly became home for their young family. Their lives were centered around their four children, their membership at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church and service to their community.
Steve, Teri, Vicki and Mindy remember their mom sacrificing to provide Catholic education, musical instrument lessons and extracurricular efforts to foster leadership. She became an enthusiastic spectator at sporting events and delighted in celebrating their accomplishments. Family meals, car trips to visit relatives, church involvement and routine worship are lasting memories of the values she taught.
Carolyn exemplified a true servant’s heart through leadership in the local 4-H club, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts and the American Business Women’s Association. She was a charter member and past president of the Wichita Metro Serra Club, fostering religious vocations.
Her devotion to Bishop Carroll Catholic High School was evident in her ongoing support to further its mission of Catholic formation. A highlight of her life was representing the Catholic Diocese of Wichita at the International Catholic Stewardship Conference in Rome, Italy, in 1998.
Carolyn entered the workforce in 1978 at Mid-American Credit Union, where she worked for more than a decade. A pivotal moment came when she was able to shift her professional skills into service to her church, and she served as parish secretary at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church for 15 years. Retirement eventually meant she was able to revel more fully in the joy of family — her true love and devotion.
Carolyn’s happiest moments were spent celebrating milestones, watching sporting events, and enjoying the company of her 24 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Memories of her playing board games, cheering from sidelines and reading to them endlessly will be cherished forever. No matter what she was doing, Carolyn would stop everything to show love to a child.
Dan and Carolyn recently celebrated 60 years of marriage, the greatest gift they gave their family. Integral to their lives was their commitment to faith manifested in weekly Eucharistic Adoration (36 years), volunteering at The Lord’s Diner (19 years) and praying together a daily rosary. Favorite activities enjoyed together were music theater, WSU athletics and gardening. The lasting legacy of their marriage, and Carolyn’s entire life, is an unwavering dedication to faith and family.
Carolyn is survived by her husband, Daniel; their four children, Steve Loughman and Barb of Lenexa, Kansas, Teri Stuhlsatz of Wichita, Vicki Keller and David of Wichita, and Mindy Hatzmann and Keith of Dallas, Texas; grandchildren, Charlie and Becky Loughman, Ben and JoEllen Loughman, Nick and Elise Loughman, Philip Loughman, Ellen Loughman, Meg Loughman, Paul Loughman, Mara Loughman and Joe Loughman of the Kansas City area, Cara and Danny Betzen, Cami West and Shana Stuhlsatz of Wichita, John Keller of Moore, Oklahoma, Jordan and Mika Keller of Omaha, Nebraska, Danielle Keller of Wichita, Grant Hatzmann of Santa Monica, California, Blair Hatzmann of San Diego, California, Reid Hatzmann and Shane Hatzmann of Annapolis, Maryland, and Brook Hatzmann, Cole Hatzmann and Paige Hatzmann of Dallas, Texas; great-grandchildren, Kaylee, Khloee, Maylen, Hadley, Henry, Harry, Averie, Jacob, Maren and Kobi; sisters, Cheryl Jacklovich and Joe of Wichita and Lynette Schneider of Lakewood; brother-in-law, Wayne Howard of Comanche, Texas; sisters-in-law, Pat Lloyd and John of Sierra Vista, Arizona, and Mary Estock and Robert of Charlotte, North Carolina; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Glenna Alberts and Janet Howard; and grandchildren, Beth and Dominic Loughman.
The funeral Mass was held Oct. 23 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Wichita.
Memorials in honor of Carolyn can be made to St. Francis of Assisi Rebuild My Church Campaign, Bishop Carroll Catholic High School or Guadalupe Clinic.
Downing & Lahey Mortuary West in Wichita was in charge of arrangements (www.dlwichita.com).