LORAINE K. LAUGESEN 1920-2003

HURST, LAUGESEN, POTTER, HUMKE, KOEHLER, WOOD

Posted By: Mary Durr (email)
Date: 1/15/2004 at 20:17:29

Loraine K. Laugesen

Telegraph Herald - Nov 11, 2003

Loraine K. Laugesen, 83, of 1861 Carter Road, died at 1:05 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, 2003, at home, after an extended illness.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery, where there will be a flag presentation accorded by the Tri-State Vietnam Veterans Association, of Dubuque. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home, 2659 Kennedy Road. Friends also may call after 9 a.m. Wednesday at the church.

He was born on Sept. 24, 1920, in Waterloo, Wis., Township, son of Gordon and Grace (Hurst) Laugesen. He married Opal Potter on April 19, 1944, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Burton, Wis.

Growing up, Loraine worked with his father on the family farm. At age 17, he enrolled in the Civilian Conservation Corps for two years, from 1938 to 1940.

He served in the Army from January 1946 until February 1947, in Fort Lewis, Wash. In service, he learned to operate heavy equipment, run the switchboard, clerical work and various duties. After returning from service, he became a licensed butter and cheese maker. Later, he worked for the Dubuque Packing Co. for 30 years, retiring in 1982.

He enjoyed woodworking, coin collecting, fishing, search-a-word puzzles and most of all, family; he dearly loved his grandsons and was deeply loved in return. He was a devoted son, loving husband, father and grandfather.

Loraine was a gentle and kind man with a ready smile for everyone. He will be greatly missed.

Surviving are his wife, Opal, of Dubuque; two daughters, Donna (Bob) Humke and Sandra (Gary) Koehler, both of Dubuque; two grandsons, Adam (Bridget) Koehler, of Dubuque, and Ben Koehler, of Waterloo, Iowa; three great-grandchildren, Mackenzie, Hudson and Griffin Koehler, all of Dubuque; two sisters, Lois (Dean) Wood, of Cassville, Wis., and Lucille, of Fort Collins, Colo.; two brothers, Lawrence (Eileen), of Lancaster, Wis., and Eugene, of East Dubuque, Ill.; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Willis and Dale.

A Loraine K. Laugesen Memorial Fund has been established.

The Laugesen family wishes to thank Dr. Kirkendall and Katie for their many years of care and concern. The Alzheimer's Association, Mary Williams, a special friend and volunteer, the Visiting Nurse Association staff and Karen, plus all the wonderful staff members and volunteers of Hospice who provided assistance and comfort. Special thanks to the Pastors of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church for their visits, prayers and support.