Andres Loja, 28, Owatonna

Andres Mauricio Loja died Monday, Oct. 30, 2023, at his home in Owatonna.

Andres was born June 15, 1995, in Cuenca, Ecuador to Manuel Lojo and Marta Paucar. He attended school in Ecuador until his family moved to Apple Valley in 2005.

He met Vivianna in 2017, and together they had three children: Andres Jr., Emillio, and Sebastian. They moved to Owatonna in March 2023. Andres worked at Buffalo Wild Wings.

Andres previously worked in construction, doing roofing. In his free time, he enjoyed playing soccer, going fishing, and watching football games – his favorite team was the Minnesota Vikings. He was an excellent cook. He loved spending time with his family.

Andres had a wonderful sense of humor, always making everyone laugh. He will always be remembered as very loving dad and husband. Andres had a gentle spirit that made you smile.

Andres is survived by his fiancée Vivianna; children Andres Jr., Emillio and Sebastian; his parents Manuel Loja and Marta Paucar; his siblings Byron Loja, Lorena Loja, Viviana Loja, and Anthony Loja; and one nephew Matias.

He was preceded in death by his uncle Marco Loja and his grandparents.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Owatonna on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. Friends greeted the family at Brick-Meger Funeral Home on Thursday, Nov. 2, and at the church on Friday beginning at noon and continuing until the time of service. Interment was at Forest Hill Cemetery.