Lawrence C. "Larry" Koleske

With the love of his family in his heart, Lawrence “Larry” C. Koleske, age 93, passed away Wednesday, October 26, 2016 at the Ascension All Saints Hospital. Lawrence was born in Racine, August 10, 1923, son of the late Frank and Veronica (Nee: Feest) Koleske.

Larry was a graduate of William Horlick High School “Class of 1941”. He proudly served in the United States Army. In 1949 he married the love of his life, Mary (Nee: Kachichian.) After the service Larry was employed by MidContinent Petroleum Company for five years, and then by DP Wigley Company for over thirty-five years, retiring as company president. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Larry also served on the boards of DP Wigley Company and at St. Monica’s Senior Home. Larry enjoyed reminiscing about life on the farm and the adventures of his time in the Army. He loved tending to his flower and vegetable gardens, and was an avid Packer and Brewer fan.

He will be dearly missed by his two daughters, Jeanne Misch of Greendale and her children, Sarah (Ryan) Daams and their daughter, Hannah Daams, Kate Misch, Rick Misch; Joanne (John) Balestrieri of Racine and their daughter, Julia Balestrieri; brother, Daniel (Shirley) Koleske; sister, Elaine Jones; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Josephine Koleske, Sandy Koleske, Joseph Adamek and Don Sack. LaVerne’s family: Karen Vassh Marheine and her children Andrew, Nicole, Adam and Caleb; Dan (Linda) Vassh and their children, Michelle and Danny; Calvin (Lisa) Vaash and their children, Ariel and Cole; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary (Nee: Kachichian); second wife, LaVerne (Nee: Vassh); son-in-law, Rick Misch; sisters and brothers, Marie Koleske, Hildegard (Eugene) Walsh, Eleanor (George) Beyer, Rita (Sam) Barranco, Frank (Laura) Koleske, Paul Koleske, Raymond Jones, Louis (Rose) Koleske, Joan Adamak, Mark Koleske, Jack (Roberta) Koleske. In-laws Mihran and Noretza Kachichian, Margaret Sack and Sam and Helen Kachichian.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, November 2, 2016, 11:00 A.M. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1533 Erie Street, with Rev. Steve Varghese officiating. Interment will follow at Graceland Cemetery on Osborne Blvd. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Wednesday at the church from 9:30 A.M. until time of Mass at 11:00 A.M.

Memorials to: St Joseph's Parish, St Monica's Retirement Home or Lyme Research ℅ Kate Misch.

A special thank you to the wonderful staff at Ascension All Saints and to Dr. Mullane and staff for their loving and compassionate care provided to Larry.