Larry Laes

Larry (Worth L.) Laes, 87, Allouez, passed away on April 19, 2011, following a 20 year battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was born in Green Bay on Sept. 20, 1923 to the late Arthur and Cecelia (Van Ven Roy) Laes. Larry served his country in WWII as a flight squadron member with the US Army-Air Corps, stationed in New Guinea, Northern Solomon’s and the Philippines in the South Pacific Theatre. He flew on a B-25 in combat missions. On Oct. 18, 1955, in Downey, CA, he married Rosemary Blohowiak of De Pere. Larry was involved in the automobile business all his life, a partner at Thome-Laes and retiring as owner of Laes Motors (“We have only nice cars”). He enjoyed and appreciated all of his customers and associates and many returned over the years to visit and reminisce with him about stories of their old days at the car lot. He was recognized as one of the three top fundraisers for the original construction of St. Mary’s Hospital on Green Bay’s west side and the former Newman Center along the East River. His favorite form of charity was observing those in his daily life who had nothing and then buying them what was needed. A large family with holes in their shoes received new ones from him one day. He enjoyed a lifetime of golfing. Larry started as a young boy, hitchhiking his way to Shorewood golf course from Three Corners to earn money as a caddie and later playing there. He also played Northbrook on Thursdays and spent weekends playing courses in Door County. He especially enjoyed playing Alpine with his good friends, Bill Mc Wey and Joseph Rosner. He is survived by his wife, Rosemary; their 5 children: Douglas, Daniel, Cheryl (friend, Don Hoff), Ann Marie, and Diane; 2 grandchildren: Jonathan and Katherine; 10 brothers and sisters also survive him. Larry is preceded in death by 4 brothers and sisters. Family and friends may call on Monday, April 25, 2011, from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 130 St. Matthew St., Allouez. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Gery Meehan, O. Praem, officiating. Cotter Funeral Home, De Pere, is assisting the family with arrangements. Entombment will be in the Wall of Honor at Allouez Chapel Mausoleum. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cotterfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established. A special thank you to caregivers, Don Bester, also Dachelle Mariah of Unity Hospice. Larry’s mischievous laughter still rings in our ears!