Charles Laskowski

Mass of Christian Burial for Charles Joseph Laskowski, 92, Lawrence, will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, January 17, 2009, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Kansas City, KS.  Burial will be at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Kansas City, KS.  He died Wednesday, January 14, 2009, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

He was born April 14, 1916, in Kansas City, Kansas, the son of Anthony and Barbara Jaskinia Laskowski.

He starred as an athlete at Bishop Ward High School in Kansas City, KS, graduating in 1934,  and earned a football scholarship to the University of Missouri.  There, he started as center on the football team until a knee injury forced him to the sidelines.

As a member of the “The Greatest Generation” he enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1937 and served as a non-commissioned officer during World War II and the Korean Conflict.  He was assigned to numerous Marine and Naval aviation units throughout his career, and earned “Mustang” status by being commissioned an officer after the Korean War.  He held the position of Chief, Aerology, MCAS El Toro, Santa Ana, CA, when he retired as a Captain after 22 years of dedicated service.  After retiring from the military, he worked in the Police Department at the University of Kansas.

He had a passion for the American West, was an expert on its rich history, and loved to “go camping” amidst the spectacular beauty found under the wide, open skies.  He was also a world traveler, counting numerous trips to Europe and The Holy Land, as well as many years spent in the Orient while in the Marine Corps.

He was extremely proud of the many accomplishments of his five children and of their all receiving degrees from the University of Kansas. To all that knew him, his generosity and kindness were beyond belief.  He loved his family, the Marine Corps, and his country, and brought out the best in others while giving the best he had. SEMPER FIDELIS

He married Anna Paduch on June 16, 1941, in Kansas City, Kansas.  She survives of the home.

Other survivors include three daughters, Barbara Kosalka, Huntington Beach, CA, Carol Jensen, Jacksonville, NC, and Joann Gelvin, Lawrence, KS; two sons, Charles, Jr., and Michael both of Lawrence; seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.  He was preceded in death by a brother, Anthony, and a sister, Clara.

The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.

Online condolences may be sent to www.warrenmcelwain.com; Subject:  Laskowski.

The family sincerely appreciates the many kindnesses and utmost professionalism shown by Dr. Richard Sosinski and the Lawrence Memorial Hospital Staff

Arrangements by Warren-McElwain Mortuary, Lawrence, KS 785-843-1120.