Thomas Laske

Mr. Thomas E. Laske, age 67, of Baldwin and a winter resident of Ocala, FL, passed away early Monday morning, March 24, 2008. Mr. Laske was a graduate of Pittsford High School in Pittsford, MI and Grand Valley State University. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, but was also very proud of his meritorious service to his county in peacetime and as a decorated combat pilot during the Vietnam War, resigning his commission in 1969. Captain Laske was honored by his country, receiving a Bronze Star and the Army Air Medal for Valor with several oak leaf clusters. Following his discharge from the Army he pursued a career in federal law enforcement with the US Postal Inspection Service in San Francisco. He is survived by his loving wife and best friend, the former Mary Sullivan, whom he married December 29, 1962; their children, Mrs. Marjorie (Frank) DiLeo of Rockford and Mark (Camie Jo) Laske of Sacramento, CA; four grandchildren, Anthony, Matt, Megan and Tyler; his brothers, Steve (MaryLou), Lawrence (Nancye), James (Charlotte), Philip (Catherine), Joseph (Sandy) and Michael (Veronica); his sisters, Vicki (Henry) Trent and Michelle (Eric) Garland; brother-in-law, Robert DeYoung; nieces and nephews. Mr. Laske was preceded in death by his parents, Stephen and Marguerite Laske; and a sister, Kathleen DeYoung. The Mass of Christian Burial for Mr. Laske will be offered on Friday at 12:00 o'clock (noon) at Our Lady of Consolation Catholic Church, Rockford with the Rev. Thomas Page and the Rev. Tony Russo, presiding. Military honors will be under the auspices of the US Army. Interment in Resurrection Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Legacy House Hospice, 9505 SW 110th St., Ocala, FL, 34481. Family and friends may greet the Laske family from 10:30 until the time of Mass on Friday at Our Lady of Consolation Church, 4865 Eleven Mile Rd., NE, Rockford, MI 49341. Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford www.pedersonfuneralhome.com