Pup's Funeral Service Video

Michael "Pup" Loughrin Jr., age 69, of New Dublin, passed away on Wednesday, July 3rd, 2024. Pup was born June 9th, 1955, the oldest of 10 kids to the late Michael Sr. and Barbara (Fischer) Loughrin. He grew up in Lebanon, working on the family farm. Pup graduated from New London High School in 1973 and went on to attend and graduated UW River Falls with degrees agricultural business and agricultural economics. While at UW-River Falls, he was selected as the Winter Carnival King. Pup was the leader of the Loughrin family after their parents passed away and he lived his life always putting family first. In 2019, Pup lived out a lifelong dream of traveling to Ireland with 20 members of his family.

Pup was an avid member and supporter of the community during his time owning Pup's Irish Pub. He was an active sponsor of various dart, horseshoe, softball, and volleyball teams throughout the past 40 years. He was an integral member of the Shamrock Club of New Dublin, and a key figure in starting the St. Patrick's Day parade, and one of the reasons why it has grown into the large, week-long celebration we know today. He spent many years as one of the Leprechauns responsible for turning New London into "New Dublin", and he was celebrated as the recipient of the "Irish Man of the Year" in 2005.

Most notably, Pup was known for his 41 years owning and operating Pup's Irish Pub. If you ever stopped into Pup's and had any sort of conversation with the man himself, it would be hard not to notice his love for shooting the breeze with those who came in. He was someone who could give it just as well as he could take it, with most of his sarcastic remarks being followed by his signature chuckle, snort and snarky grin.

Most people who knew Pup from the Irish Pub and his involvement in the community would describe him as an "Icon" or a "Legend" of the New London area. If you told him that, however, he'd respond with a shake of his head and say, "I don't get it. I'm just a guy who owns a bar". Whether he wanted to admit it or not, he was so much more than just a guy who owned a bar.

Pup is survived by his children, Colin Loughrin (fiancé, Autumn Hawkinson) and Connor (Kayla) Loughrin; Granddaughter, Hattie Loughrin; Sisters, Patty (Jim) DeGeoy, Debbie (Pete) Soto, and Lori (Todd) Barrington; Brothers, Terry (Debbie) Loughrin, Jerry (Cindy) Loughrin, Dave (Corinna) Loughrin and Matt (Sue) Loughrin, and brother-in-law Paul Freiburger. Pup is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Pup was preceded in death by his parents, his sister; Peggy Freiburger; brother, Peter Loughrin and nephew, Shawn Loughrin.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Pup will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 19th, 2024 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Lebanon with Fr. Hoffman officiating. Visitation will take place on Thursday, July 18, 2024 from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at Cline & Hanson Funeral Home in New London and again on Friday, July 19, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the Mass at the church. Burial will follow at the parish cemetery.

The family wishes to thank the team at ThedaCare Appleton for their care of Pup. The family also would like to thank everyone who has ever come through the doors of Pup's Irish Pub for their friendship and support over the years.

Remember, Pup's is always on the way home.