1958
2020
Memorial services for Michael Joseph (Mike) Laskowski, 61, Lawrence, will be held at 6 p.m. (Tuesday), January 14th, 2020 at Grace Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Lawrence. Mike passed away Wednesday, January 8th, 2020 at LMH Health surrounded by his family, sharing the legacy of love he created.
Mike was born on November 26th, 1958 in Orange, California, the son of Charles Joseph and Anna Mary Laskowski. The family moved to Lawrence, Kansas in 1959.
The role and importance of family to Mike cannot be put into words. He met his wife, Carolyn Sue (Carol) Blair, while working at the SupeRx Drug Store in Lawrence. The couple married on November 23rd, 1984, in Lawrence, Kansas. In 1989, they welcomed a daughter, Christine, and in 1991, a son, Mark. Mike's immediate and extended family shared a great deal of joy in the company found with one another throughout the years with many trips, meals, nature walks, selected TV shows, time sitting and talking, and both indoor and outdoor games.
Mike truly loved any and every opportunity to be outdoors, whether it was going for a walk, bike ride, or simply finding joy in projects around the house and his gardens. He would often stay outdoors until the last glimmer of twilight, pausing only to enjoy the sunset, famously saying, "Just one more thing and then I'll be in". He greatly enjoyed spending time reading about and observing unique cars and he was a master at maintaining his vintage 1974 VW Beetle and 1986 VW Cabriolet. He loved staying active and played a variety of sports, passing this interest along to his two children. He always looked forward to summertime, when he participated in Red Dog's Dog Days. He participated in this community fitness program for many, many years and earned numerous Dog Day's t-shirts- displaying his dedication to a healthy life. His family would like to thank Red Dog (Don) and Beverly Gardner for providing this program.
Mike left behind a legacy of love and continuous selflessness, always seeking out opportunities to better the world of those he touched with joy, care, and selfless acts with no thought of recognition or praise.
Mike is survived by his wife Carol Laskowski, Lawrence, daughter, son-in-law, and grandson, Christine, Alex, and Luke Cate, son, Mark Laskowski, brother Charles Laskowski Jr., and sisters Joann Gelvin (Ralph Jr.) and Carol Jensen, Jacksonville, North Carolina, and father and mother-in-law, Ken and Pat Blair, (respectively) Lawrence, sister-in-law Cindy Gentry, Olathe, brother-in-law, David Blair (DeAnna), Shawnee, along with many special nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Anna Laskowski, Lawrence, sister, Barbara Kosalka (Stanley), Huntington Beach, California, brother-in-law, Nick Gentry, Olathe, and niece, Susan Gelvin, Topeka.
The family will greet friends for a visitation from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, January 13th, 2020 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence.
Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Red Dog's Dog Days and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
For more information or to post a condolence go to warrenmcelwain.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Mike's gone, but certainly not forgotten,
Reece Wiley
Friend
January 4, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Cindy Monshizadeh
January 15, 2020
Very sorry to hear of Mike's passing. I knew Mike since our days at CJHS. We played basketball together from 7th grade into our 40's. We had a group of us that played together for about 30 years. Mike even played softball with us for a few years. Mike, Mike and I attended Kansas basketball games for many years, too. Lots of great fun stories. He always smiled. He will be greatly missed.
January 14, 2020
I am so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. I knew Mike ever since we were in grade school together-- a long time ago. We visited each other at our parents' houses as kids. We played basketball for over 30 years in the parks and gyms of Lawrence. We both worked at the Kansas Union at the same time, also. We threw a frisbee more than 800 consecutive times without dropping it, largely due to his athleticism. We went to basketball games and concerts at Allen Field House. He was a kind and gracious man, a loving husband and father, and a true friend that will be missed by everyone who knew him.
January 14, 2020
Dear Carol, Christine,Mark and Family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved Mike. He was such a kind person and will be missed by the many people who knew and loved him.
I am sorry to miss the visitation and service but I will be praying for all of you as you grieve and ask the Lord for comfort, peace, and strength.
God Bless you all.
Sue Glatz
Sue Glatz
January 13, 2020
Dear Carol, Christine and Mark, I am very saddened to hear of Mike's passing. He was always to upbeat and never had a negative word to say. I will miss him deeply at Red Dog Days! Prayers for you and your family's healing. Love, Brenda Olson Kappelman
January 13, 2020
I was sad to hear of the passing of the brother of my classmate, Ski. May the Lord Jesus comfort all who mourn and give them peace that passes understanding.
Helen Pendleton Rumbaut
January 13, 2020
I am shocked and very saddened to read of Mike's passing. I met him when we both worked at the Kansas Union, and he was always smiling and friendly, and later, as I worked in another office I'd run into him as he walked during lunch. I also briefly met his wife Carol when she did student teaching in math with my husband, CR, and their daughter Christine as she did some tutoring at KU; both are very much like Mike, always friendly. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.
I'm sure Mike's smile will light up Heaven.
Ruth Herpich
January 12, 2020
Christine, Mark and Family, I am sorry to hear of your loss. Mike and I talked many times at Dog Days and I will miss him being there.
James Minor
January 11, 2020
Oh my! Mike was the first person who I spoke with while walking in the neighborhood the morning of losing my precious David in February 2017. This is also where we had many conversations as he would stop working in the front yard to have a chat with me as well as at Dog Days. Oh my, how I will miss not seeing him drive by in his little car, or working on his car or in the front yard as I walk with my dog, and at Dog Days as well. I pray that sweet and beautiful memories will soon flood your hearts to help ease the pain of loss during this difficult season.
Teri Guntert
January 11, 2020
Dear Carol, Christine, Mark and family,
As so many others, I am saddened to learn of Mike's passing. He always offered his kind smile to everyone! Seeing Mike taking walks in the neighborhood, washing his cars, tending to the flowers and yard always made me smile as I drove by.
I'm sending you the thank-you letter Mike wrote to me at the end of Mark's second grade year (May 2000). I kept it all these years because I found such a touching gesture of kindness and appreciation. Its just one small example of the amazing man he was.
My deepest sympathy to each of you.
Lynn Beets
lynn beets
January 11, 2020
Carol, Christine, and Mark, I was so saddened to hear of Mike's passing. He was always so kind and gracious. I know he will be missed by all his friends and family. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Susie Harwood
January 11, 2020
Mike was always one of my favorites at Dog Days. His smile was infectious and never seemed to have a bad day. I'll really miss him.
Candy Davis
January 11, 2020
I've known Mike since I first met him when he was a student at LHS; it was ironic that I was in school with Carolyn as was my brother with 'Ski'. Was there ever a kinder more thoughtful man than Mike? I think not. His wonderful wife and children are a kind of testament to what Mike brought to people in the world. They don't make them like him any more. Heaven has a new VW mechanic--stay out of the way and give him room.
Reece Wiley
January 11, 2020
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6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Warren-McElwain Mortuary Lawrence Chapel120 West 13th, Lawrence, KS 66044
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Warren-McElwain Mortuary Lawrence Chapel120 West 13th, Lawrence, KS 66044
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