Gerald Z. Laetsch

Gerald Jerry Z. Laetsch of Fort Collins, Colorado, New Holstein, Wisconsin and Rhinelander, Wisconsin, passed peacefully into the arms of his Savior, surrounded by his family and dedicated staff of the Good Samaritan Society Village on November 19, 2012. Jerry was born April 20, 1919 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He attended local schools and met the love of his life, Kathryn M. Buresh on admissions day at Lacrosse State Teacher's College in Lacrosse, Wisconsin. He enlisted in the Army Air Corp after graduating from College. He and Kate were married while serving his Country during World War II. After discharge he and Kate moved to Green Bay, Wisconsin where they opened a candy store named after their first born, Mary's Fudge Shop. The shop was located across the street from the East High School where the Green Bay Packer's played there home games. It was then that he purchased his Packer season tickets from Curly Lambeau himself, which the family still holds to this day. He then moved his family to New Holstein, Wisconsin, working for the phone company, a Sporting Good's Store and finally Lauson Engines, later known as Tecumseh Products, where for many years he was the general sales manager. At age 60, he and Kate retired to the North Woods of Rhinelander, Wisconsin. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and among his other passions was golf. Not a very good golfer he would say. When he wasn't golfing, he was working as the starter for the Northwood Golf Course, outside of Rhinelander. He and Kate built a beautiful home on Squash Lake where many wonderful memories were shared. After the passing of his beloved Kate, he moved to Fort Collins, Colorado where he has resided for the past 8 years. Jerry is survived by his eldest daughter, Mary Lautenschlaeger of Galena, Illinois, daughter, Ginger Coulter and her husband, Bob, and son, Jay Laetsch and his wife, Laryl of Fort Collins. He is also survived by his cherished eleven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Also, special family members, David Lautenschlaeger, Sr. and Kim Milewski. He will be remembered as our devoted father, proud grandfather and loving great-grandfather. Friends and family are invited to join us to celebrate the life of Jerry on Saturday, November 24, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. with Military Honors by the Fort Collins All Veterans Honor Guard at the Good Samaritan Retirement Village located at 508 W. Trilby Rd., Fort Collins. A Reception will immediately follow the service. A Memorial Service and interment will take place in New Holstein, Wisconsin at a later date.

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Gerald Z. Laetsch

April 20, 1919 - November 19, 2012