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| John W. Laakso, Age 97 |
| Visitation Location: |
Rejoice Lutheran Church, Clearwater, MN |
| Visitation Date/Time: |
Wednesday, May 30, 2012 from 4:00 to 5:00 PM |
| Funeral Time: |
Wednesday, May 30, 2012 at 5:00 PM |
| Funeral Location: |
Rejoice Lutheran Church, Clearwater, MN |
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JOHN W. LAAKSO, 97
South Haven
January 28, 1915 - May 24, 2012
John William Laakso, age 97, South Haven, MN, died of natural causes on Thursday, May 24, 2012 at Country Manor Apartments, Sartell, MN.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, May 30, 2012 at 5:00 PM at Rejoice Lutheran Church, Clearwater, MN. Rev. Scott Gjevre will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday. Funeral arrangements were made by Benson Funeral Home, St. Cloud, MN.
John was born January 28, 1915 in Virginia, MN to Frank and Edla (Hyvanen) Laakso. He married Geraldine “Gerry” M. Volkenant on June 7, 1941 in Montrose, MN. John served in the United States Navy during World War II from 1943 to 1946. He received his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Minnesota in 1955. John taught chemistry at St. Cloud State University, retiring in 1979. He was a member of Rejoice Lutheran Church of Clearwater. John was a former member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church of St. Cloud where he served as a leader of Boy Scout Troop 14 for many years. John was a former member of the St. Cloud City Council and served on the St. Cloud City Board of Health.
Survivors include his wife of 71 years, Geraldine “Gerry” Laakso of South Haven, MN; sons and daughters, Dan (Karen) Laakso of Outing, MN; Steve (Debi) Laakso of Sauk Rapids, MN; Kathryn (David Keller) Laakso of St. Cloud, MN; and Gretchen (Tim DuBois) Laakso of South Haven, MN; six grandchildren, Jon Laakso, Jodi Laakso, Madeline Johnson, Elena Bjorklund, Charles DuBois and Selah Laakso; three great grandchildren, Claire, Adam and Jacy; six step grandchildren, Paul Keller, Heidi Keller-Miler, Peter Keller, Colleen Keller, Amanda Reiners and Michael Reiners, Jr.; and thirteen step great grandchildren, Madison, Casey, Austin, Sana, Franz, Stella, Mia, Keller, Ronan, Madeline, Theo, Mason and Madison.
He was preceded in death by his parents, son-in-law, David Keller, two brothers, Edwin and Martin Laakso, and three sisters, Anne Bodas, Esther Raati and Helen Rannila.
Memorials are preferred to the St. Cloud State University Endowment Fund - John and Geraldine Laakso Chemistry Scholarship.
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