Timothy Joseph O'Laughlin

Timothy Joseph O'Laughlin, age 74, of Belle Plaine, MN passed away unexpectedly on July 8, 2013 while at his home. Tim was born on November 13, 1938 to Francis and Margaret (Kelberer) O'Laughlin in Winona, MN. He attended Maryhurst Normal High School in St. Louis, MO and then went on to college at St. Mary's University in San Antonio, TX. Later, Tim did additional graduate study at St. Mary's University, University of Notre Dame and Minnesota State University - Mankato. He taught Political Science, History, Economics and Emergency Medical Services at Belle Plaine High School for 34 years. He married Patricia Schwegler on June 19, 1965 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Alexandria, MN. For decades, Tim served his local and county communities. In addition to his teaching duties, he led emergency management efforts in the Scott County Sheriff's Office, serving 39 years, most of which were as the Director of Emergency Management. Tim volunteered as a member of the Belle Plaine Community Ambulance Service for 27 years and served on the Belle Plaine City Council for six years. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, National Education Association, Minnesota Emergency Managers Association and Pax Christi Catholic Community. He was an avid pinochle player and finished at the top of the leaderboard. He loved spending time with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren, and he will be sadly missed. He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings Shelly and Daniel O'Laughlin. Tim is survived by his wife: Patricia of Belle Plaine; children: James (Jennifer) O'Laughlin of Belle Plaine, Dr. Daniel (Dr. Juliana) O'Laughlin of Eden Prairie, Michael O'Laughlin of Seattle, WA and Kevin (Camilla) O'Laughlin of Winona; Grandchildren: Kyle, Molly, Makayla, Caitlin, Meghan and Mason; and siblings: Sharon (Stephen) Montreiul, Karen (Leonard) Lang, Suellen (Christopher) Walls, Mary Margaret O'Laughlin, Francine (Dr. Donald) Kosiak, Terry (Stephen) Rozek, Shaun (Rosemary) O'Laughlin, Sheila (Mark) Schollmeier and Colleen (Corky) Rinken. A Mass of Christian burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday July 12, 2013 at Pax Christi Catholic Community in Eden Prairie, MN. Fr. Bill Murtaugh and Msgr. R. Paul Heiting will officiate. Lunch to follow at church after Mass. Visitation will be from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 11 at the Kolden Funeral Home in Belle Plaine and will continue one hour prior to the Mass at Pax Christi on Friday. Interment will be in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Belle Plaine, MN. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. Pallbearers will be Tim's sons James, Daniel, Michael and Kevin, his brother Shaun O'Laughlin and long-time friend Chuck Perkins.