06/23/2026
Carla K. Laasch
Carla Kay Laasch (nee Eslinger), beloved wife, mother and grandmother, peacefully passed away June 11, 2026, at the age of 86. She was born on October 18, 1939, in Morrison, Illinois, to Everett and Lucille Eslinger.
She met the love of her life, Stan Laasch, as a senior at Clinton High School. They were married August 20, 1960, in Clinton, Iowa. Throughout their nearly 66 years of marriage, together they shared love, laughter, music, and travel.
Stan and Carla initially connected through music which continued throughout their marriage. She was a pianist and enjoyed playing organ for church, singing in the choir, and was part of several bands, always seen smiling in the back with percussion. Church was always important to Carla, and she was quick to volunteer in any capacity from organizing events to baking pies. She was also a member of several community organizations, holding a leadership position in many of them including Hartland Community Band librarian and president of Women’s Club of Hartland. Family has distinct memories of Carla getting dressed up in fancy hats for Red Hat Society and sneaking cookies before she left. She enjoyed many activities joining bowling and golf leagues. Carla also loved to travel and took many overseas trips with Stan, family, and friends.
Carla graduated from East Moline Hospital with a degree in nursing. She then worked as a nurse in Burlington, Iowa and later as a high school nurse in Davenport, Iowa. She held multiple jobs as a nurse, but her heart and passion were found as a pediatric nurse at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin where she held several positions over 17 years, until retiring in 1998. At Children’s Wisconsin, she touched many families and made lifelong relationships.
As a loving mother she raised her 3 sons keeping them in line and teaching them how to be strong, respectful and courteous men. Her children and grandchildren enjoyed spending quality time with Carla, and all share her love of chocolate and will miss her baking.
Carla’s memory will be forever cherished by her surviving family, including her husband, Stanley J. Laasch, her children: Brian (Tracy), Scott (Michelle), and Marc (Sue). Carla was a devoted grandmother and survived by her grandchildren: Brigham (Kenni), Natalee (Kelly), Julia, Jessica, Jake (Kayla) and Derek. She also shared her love with extended family which included step grandchildren and others whose lives she touched.
Family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at Towner Crest and Brighton Hospice for their care and support for Carla.
Carla’s memorial service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, July 10, 2026, at Divine Redeemer Lutheran Church, 31385 Hill Rd, Hartland, WI. Family and friends are invited to visit the church from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service. A reception will follow at the American Legion, 231 Goodwin Ave in Hartland.
To donate in lieu of flowers, tribute gifts can be made directly to Children's Wisconsin in memory of Carla Laasch. Or checks can be made payable to Children’s Wisconsin Foundation.
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