Obit: Laakso, Arne (1911 - 2014)

Contact: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Cass, Jackson, Laakso, Machek, Makkinen, Pack, Potocnik, Wanska

----Source: The Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, WI) 6/05/2014

Laakso, Arne (24 AUG 1911 - 2 JUN 2014)

Arne Laakso passed away Wednesday, June 4, 2014 at Ministry Saint Joseph's Hospital Palliative Care Unit, Marshfield at the age of 102.

Arne was born on August 24, 1911 in Marquette, Michigan, the son of Soloman and Ingrid (Wanska) Laakso. In 1913, the family moved to a farm near Owen. Arne spent the majority of his life in the Owen, Wisconsin area. He married Lily Cass on November 10, 1940. In 1942, they purchased the Cass family farm near Owen from Lily's father, Henry Cass. Arne and Lily farmed until the mid 1980's. They then sold the farm and moved into a new home in Owen near the Meadowview Golf Course.

Lily passed away on March 6, 2001. Arne continued to live at his home in Owen until the spring of 2011, at which time he took up residency at the Clark County Health Care Center. Arne was an ambitious man, at the age of 76, he took up golf and played league golf at the Meadowview Golf Club. He was often seen in and around Owen taking his daily walks, maintaining a healthy life style. Arne was a huge fan of the Owen-Withee boys and girls athletic teams and followed them diligently, attending both many home and away athletic events. He was an avid deer hunter and fisherman. He especially enjoyed the Canadian fishing trips with family and local friends. He went on his last Canadian fishing trip at the age of 98.

Arne will be sadly missed by all who knew him. He is survived by two sons; John (Rhonda) Laakso of Montello, Wisconsin and Michael (Debbie) Laakso of Neenah, Wisconsin, two granddaughters; Kim Pack and Kerry Jackson both of Neenah, Wisconsin and two great-granddaughters; Jadlyn Pack and Marrissa Jackson.

Arne is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, one son; Charles, two brothers; Einar and Elmer Laakso and four sisters; Helen Laakso, Turney Makkinen, Martha Machek and Elsie Potocnik.

Funeral Services for Arne will be held at 1:30 PM Saturday, June 7, 2014 at the Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Owen followed with burial in the Riverside Cemetery, Withee. Visitation will be held on Friday, June 6, 2014 at the Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Owen from 4:30 to 7:30 PM and on Saturday from 12:30 until the time of services at the funeral home.

The family would like to thank the Clark County Health Care Center for the fine care they provided for Arne over the past 3 ½ years. Friends may send online condolences to www.maurinaschilling.com.