Donald R. Laatsch, 89, of Juneau, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 4, 2024. Born on November 13, 1934, Don lived a life marked by service, family and a passion for the outdoors. Donald was baptized and confirmed at the First English Lutheran Church in Oshkosh. He was a 1953 graduate of Oshkosh High School. Continue Reading
Donald R. Laatsch, 89, of Juneau, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 4, 2024. Born on November 13, 1934, Don lived a life marked by service, family and a passion for the outdoors.
Donald was baptized and confirmed at the First English Lutheran Church in Oshkosh. He was a 1953 graduate of Oshkosh High School. Don proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1955 – 1958, spending time stationed in Japan as a radar and radio technician. A committed and lifelong community member, Don was a member of the Juneau American Legion Post #15 and devoted over 60 years of service to the Juneau & Watertown Lions Clubs. Don was the recipient of numerous awards, including the prestigious Melvin Jones Fellowship, the Birch-Sturm Fellowship, the Distinguished Service Award and Lifetime Service Award, recognizing Don’s significant contributions to the Lions. One of Don’s cherished roles with the organizations was delivering donated eyes for sight-saving missions.
In 1981, Don married Clarajean “Dolly” Schmidt. Don owned and operated the Laatsch Abstract Company from 1963 – 2003. Don loved hunting and fishing, especially spending time chasing pheasants at Shaw Marsh. Memorable trips “Up North” and various family travels brought Don and Dolly great joy and created many lasting family memories.
Don is survived by his wife of 43 years, Clarajean “Dolly”; children: Ronald (Rosa) Laatsch, Susan (Bruce) Braker, David (Sue) Laatsch, Dale (Kathy) Jeche, Dan (Holly) Schmidt and Dennis (Jen) Schmidt; 17 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren; special friends Wayne and Jeanne Steinke and previous wife of 21 years Donna Ohm. He is further survived by other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father Eloys and stepmother Rose Laatsch, his mother Margaret and step father Gordy Timmerman; father and mother-in-law Floyd and Mildred Lehmann; his daughter Vicky Laatsch and his grandson Nathan Schmidt; his brother Eugene Laatsch and his sister Yvonne Fritz.
A memorial gathering for Don will be held on Friday, November 8, 2024 from 10:30 a.m. until Noon at Peace Lutheran Church, 400 Hillcrest Drive, Beaver Dam. A memorial service will begin at Noon with Rev. Jesse Gullion officiating. Inurnment will be at the Peace Lutheran Columbarium. Military Honors will be conducted by the Juneau American Legion Post # 15. A reception with food and fellowship will follow in the lower level of Peace Lutheran Church.
Memorial donations in Don’s name may be directed to the family or to the Watertown Lions Club.
The Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.koepsellfh.com.
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