James L. Laska, 81

James L. Laska of Stevens Point, Wis., passed away peacefully at home on December 15, 2022, at the age of 81.

James was born August 2, 1941, to Leo and Esther (née Berna) Laska in Stevens Point. He attended area schools and graduated from Pacelli High School in 1959. He then attended UWSP for a year and a half when he decided to join the U.S. Army in 1961. For the next three years, he proudly served with the 82nd Airborne Division as a paratrooper. During that time, he was stationed at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, and Fort Kobbe and Fort Amador, both in the Panama Canal Zone. In February 1964, he was honorably discharged.

Following his time serving his county, James met Marcine Stanczyk and went on to marry her on September 14, 1968, in Stevens Point. Together, they welcomed three beautiful children into their family; Dale, Jason, and Christel.

In 1967, James began his career at Consolidated Papers as a lab technician. In 1971, he was transferred to the Research and Development Division in Biron. Through his hard work and dedication, James worked his way up to a Senior Research Lab Technician. After 33 years, he retired in 2000.

In addition to his family and career, James also dedicated his time to serving his community as a volunteer firefighter. He served the Town of Hull Fire Department for 26 years, serving as the treasurer for 24 of those years; and was an emergency fire warden with the DNR for 32 years.

He proudly served his community in other ways, too. He drove disabled veterans to the VA hospital in Tomah and Madison for five years; he delivered Meals on Wheels to those who are homebound; he was an active member of the Moose Lodge, and he was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1170. Everyone who knew James knew how much he cared for his friends, his family, and all those around him.

When James had some time for himself, he found great joy in the outdoors (or maybe a shopping trip to Fleet Farm); oftentimes heading to the Western states and Canada for some large game hunting—deer, elk, and antelope, to name a few. He also enjoyed fishing, metal detecting, watching sports, and making firewood.

Of course, as a hunter, he enjoyed firearms and attending gun shows. He also had a passion for sharing in the bounty of his hunting expeditions. Not only would he smoke the wild game, but he also took joy in making his famous horseradish and Kiszka recipes.

James is survived by his children: Dale Laska, Jason (Sharon) Laska, and Christel (Andy) Simonis; and two grandchildren, Lucas and Morgan Simonis. He is further survived by his dear friend, Gerrie Quimby.

James was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife, Marcine.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for James at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at St. Adalbert Parish, 3315 St. Adalbert Road, Rosholt. Rev. Thomas Nirappel will officiate.

Friends and family are invited to gather and share memories on Tuesday, December 20, 2022, from 4-7 p.m. at Shuda Funeral Chapel, 3200 Stanley Street, Stevens Point; and again on Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at St. Adalbert Parish from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow at St. Adalbert Parish Cemetery.

Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.shudafuneral.com.