Date : 29 Apr 2006
Location : Greenwood Cemetery, Hayward, WI
Stanley L. Laska, age 91, of Hayward, WI passed away on Wednesday, April 26, 2006 at the Hayward Area Memorial Hospital.
Stanley Lawrence Laska was born Dec. 6, 1914 in Anoka, MN to Vincent and Anna (Breyen) Laska. He was joined in marriage to Gudrun Johanna Johnson on June 28, 1941 in Finlayson, MN. Stanley joined the U.S. Army on Nov. 9, 1942 and served during WWII. Participating in the European Theater, he was stationed with Patton's 3rd Army in the Battle of Bastone. For his time in the service he was honored with the American and European Theater Ribbons along with the Presidential Unit Citation and the Combat Infantry Badge. He was honorably discharged on Oct. 23, 1945.
Upon his discharge he moved to Hayward, WI where he owned and operated several local businesses including Laska's Greenhouse and Marker. Stan always made sure that a family in need of funeral flowers had something for their loved one whether or not the family was able to pay. In 1979 Stan sold his floral business, but continued to work in various jobs for Link Brothers, Stepp Mfg. and the northern Lakes Co-op. He retired at the age of 80. Stanley volunteered his time generously throughout his life and was active with numerous local organizations. He was honored as Veteran of the Year in 1997 by the Hayward Veterans Council. His skill as a chief was well known by many as he loved to prepare hobo dinners and other specialties for large groups at the Hayward Veterans Center as well as the American Birkebeiner International Village. He also enjoyed woodworking, hunting and family gatherings.
Stanley is survived by his five daughters, Christine (Robert) Somerville of Flagstaff, AZ; Carol (Roger Knutson) Morgan, WI; Lori (Ric) Suchanek of Madison, WI; one son, James Laska of Hayward, WI; one brother, Raymond (Bertha) Laska; 16 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, "Goodie" two brothers and two sisters.
A funeral service for Stan was held April 29, at the First Lutheran Church in Hayward. Military rites will be accorded by the Hayward Veterans Council. Interment will be in the Greenwood Cemetery in Hayward.
Memorials may be directed to the Hayward Veterans Community Center of the Town of Hayward Fire Department.
The Anderson-Nathan-Koerpel Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Pine County Courier - May 22, 2006
