Andrew Jay Loftis

LOFTIS, Andrew 5/12/1975 – 5/18/2019 Andrew J Loftis (Andy) was born in Grand Island, NE on May 12, 1975 to Rod and Cindy Loftis.And lived in Grand Island until the age of 3 when he moved with his family to Omaha, NE in 1978. In Omaha, Andy attended Neihardt Elementary in Millard until the 5th grade when he moved with his family to Albuquerque, NM in the fall of 1986 where he was introduced to the Spanish language. In the spring of 1987 he returned to Omaha with his family and attended Rockwell Elementary, Millard Central Middle School and graduated from Millard South High School in 1993 where he participated in Drama and excelled in Spanish. After graduation Andy worked in the food service business as a cook at a couple local bar & grills.He moved to Phoenix, AZ for one year where he was the Assistant Manager of a Peter Piper Pizza franchise. When he returned to Nebraska he worked as the Manager of the Papa John’s restaurant in Fremont, NE. In 2002 Andy decided to further his education and enrolled in the IT program at Vatterott College, graduating with an Associate Degree in Computer Systems & Network Technology. While at Vatterott, he obtained a position in the IT department at Werner Enterprises at the corporate office in Omaha. In 2007 Andy became the IT Manager for OHARCO in Omaha, where he was employed until his death. Several years ago Andy developed an interest in photography. He loved taking photos of the wildlife at the Henry Doorly Zoo and the Wildlife Safari Park. He also did some portrait work taking Senior High School and wedding photos for several friends and relatives. Thanks to his friends Gabe Knuth, Kevin Harms, Terry Knief, Corey Augustine and his aunt Pat Morrison, Andy was able to travel by Amtrak to Yosemite National Park on his 1st cancerversary where he took some stunning photographs. In June of 2016 Andy was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer, non-small cell adenocarcinoma. Andy was determined to beat this disease! Over the past three years Andy endured multiple radiation treatments.Radiation combined with oral chemo drugs kept the cancer stable until this past November when he was diagnosed with leptomeningeal carcinomatosis (LMD). This is a cancer that attacks the spinal fluid and is more commonly diagnosed with breast cancer patients.The treatment meant 18 sessions of whole head radiation and doubling of the oral chemo drug. Following the whole head radiation treatments, tests showed that the cancer was stable, but the radiation and chemo drugs were taking their toll on his body. He had no appetite and lost over 30 pounds in less than three months. On May 12th Andy was admitted to the C L Werner Cancer Hospital at the Buffett Cancer Center. His birthday. He referred to it as his “Crappy Birthday.” On May 16th Andy suffered a heart attack and was intubated.He fought back from this and the ventilator and breathing tube were removed the next day. His mind was still sharp, but his body had had enough and Andy passed away at 11:45 pm on May 18, 2019 with his parents and brother Jon by his side. Andrew is survived by his Parents Rod & Cindy Loftis; Brother Jon Loftis & wife Wendi; Niece Cora Loftis; Nephew Christian Loftis; Many other relatives and friends. Celebration of Andrew’s Life: Saturday, May 25, 2019 at 11:00am, with family receiving friends one hour prior to the service, All at Braman Mortuary (Southwest Chapel) In lieu of flowers, memorials given to the family will go towards lung cancer awareness and research. Braman Mortuary - Southwest Chapel 6505 S. 144 St. Omaha, NE68137 402-895-3400