Beverly J. Laatsch (nee Kapfer), age 79, of West Bend, passed away Friday, September 18, 2009 at her residence.
She was born on October 29, 1929 in West Bend to the late Albert "Jim" and Helen (nee Poler) Kapfer. Bev graduated from West Bend High School in the class of 1947.
She was an enthusiastic canoeist with American Youth Hostel and active in support of Lac Lawrann Conservancy. Bev enjoyed making pottery and photography. She was a demon cribbage player, shared in many hours of sheepshead and Scrabble. Bev enjoyed regularly scheduled games and also took advantage of playing when there was any hint of a game with friends or family.
Bev was intensely devoted to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren just as she had been with her own children when they were growing up. She was a constant presence in their lives; attending school plays, soccer games, gymnastic meets, and horse shows. She took pleasure in getting them to and from school, school activities, Sunday school and trips to the park. Bev loved spending time with them.
Most importantly, Bev was always ready to help, be it for family, friends, or strangers. Whether it was lending a sympathetic ear, a home cooked meal, Bev never passed up a chance to offer help to someone in need.
She is survived by four children, Linda (Georg) Bloch of Carmel, IN, Daryl (Loretta) Laatsch of West Bend, Vicci (Roger) Hubbard of Allenton, and Karla (Bill) Bullett of Lombard, IL; five grandchildren, Gretchen (Scott) Adams, Christian Laatsch, Lauren Laatsch, Jacci (Tony) Galindo, and Jacob Hubbard; two great-granddaughters, Tiana and Isabella Galindo; two sisters, Darlene Schaub o Kewaskum and Mary Ellen Kapfer of Fond du Lac; brother-in-law, Allen Kleinhans of Fond du Lac; good friend, Mae Laatsch of Lake Mills; other dear relatives and close friends.
Bev is preceded in death by her parents, special friend, Nick C. Eloff; sister, Barbara Kleinhans and former husband, Howard "Bud" Laatsch.
A memorial mass in remembrance of Bev will be held on Friday, October 2, 2009 at 3:00 pm at St. James Episcopal Church (148 S. 8th Avenue) in West Bend with Fr. Kevin Carroll officiating. Visitation will be at the church from 1:00 pm until the time of the service. Inurnment will follow the mass in St. James Columbarium.
Memorials to St. James Episcopal Church or the Visiting Nurses Association (950 N. 12th Street, Suite A524 - Milwaukee, WI 53233-1306) in Bev's name are appreciated by the family.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to family friend, Sue Siegman-Stewart, the Visiting Nurses Association, Interfaith care givers and the countless friends and family and all the other care givers who provided loving care to Bev.