Lydia Theresa Laska

Lydia Theresa Laska, 92, Wausau, loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother was called home to God and her precious Savior, Jesus Christ, on January 12, 2018. Lydia was born on Feb. 24, 1925 to the late Joseph and Valeria (Landowski) Burclaw in Torun, Wisconsin. Her early years were spent working on the family farm. Later, during WWII she was a "Rosie Riveter" making Walkie-talkies and batteries for General McArthur in Milwaukee and Wausau. On July 3, 1948, Lydia married Henry Laska and he preceded her in death on Jan. 11, 2015. They had met dancing at Colonial Ballroom. Mom loved to tell Dad that he would have to catch up with her, as she was 4 months older. As wife and mother, she was industrious in sewing, baking, canning, cooking and kissing "owies" away. Her fresh bread could be smelled walking up the driveway into the house. Mom worked hard washing clothes in the old wringer washer. Working many years as a salad lady for 2510 Restaurant, she created some recipes still favored today. Lydia and Henry were founding members of St. Matthew Catholic Church in Wausau, which they attended regularly and volunteered until their health started to fail. Mom belonged to St. Jude Circle as a charter member nearly 60 years. She also belonged to the National Catholic Society of Foresters and was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary at the VFW, Post 388, where they awaited her homemade lemon pies that sold before being delivered for the spring dinners. Mom would love up on her grandchildren with overnight stays, gifts, kisses, bingo and hugs, always making goodies and treats for them. She taught her children and grandchildren how to dance. Mom and Dad worked as a team over the years making beautiful hand-woven rugs. As they collaborated with their colors and designs, a new piece of artwork was created. People still call wanting their rugs. When Dad ended up in a nursing home, Mom visited him faithfully. It became 2-3 times a day, when she ended up in rehab in the same home. They always shared hugs and kisses, both loving and treasuring the song, "You Are My Sunshine". Though a quiet woman, Mom was courageous, industrious, intelligent, kind, patient, wise with common sense and had a good sense of humor. She loved dark chocolate and enjoyed puzzles, bingo and getting more Yatzees and large straights than anyone. On Saturday and Sunday mornings you'd see her feet moving to the Polkas & Waltzes that she listened to, even while sleeping. "Waltz of the Angels" was a favorite. She is survived and will be deeply missed by her daughters, Diane, Cathy and Julie (Randy) Laska-Punke; five grandchildren, Christopher (Amber), Nicholas, Benjamin, Elizabeth and Abraham; great-grandchildren, Brenna and Barrett; and sisters, Teckla (Dave) Cline and Wanda. She was also preceded in death by her infant daughter, Mary Ann; brothers, Tony (Sadie), Leonard (Virginia), Emil (Lorraine), Daniel and Johnny; and sisters, Clara (Ray) Karch and Sylvia (Leo) Ksiozk. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 noon on Monday Jan. 22, 2018 at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Wausau. Rev. Peter Kieffer will preside. Visitation on Monday will be from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the services at the church. Burial will be at Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Family and friends may call from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., followed by a Rosary at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home 3400 Stewart Ave., Wausau. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.