Reverend Kenneth Laske

Reverend Kenneth Stanley Laske, a dedicated servant of God entered eternal rest on March 20th, 2026 at the age of 93. His sister and her family surrounded him with prayers and love during his journey home to God.

Born on June 20th, 1932 in Chicago Illinois to the late Stanley and Gertrude Laske. At a young age, Ken felt a calling to the priesthood. He attended Quigley preparatory seminary and the University of St. Mary of the Lake / Mundelein Seminary. Ken was ordained a priest on April 12th 1958 for the Archdiocese of Chicago by Cardinal Samuel Stritch.

After Ordination, Father Laske served faithfully as assistant pastor at the following parishes: St. Ferdinand (Barry Ave), St. Gilbert's (Grayslake), St. Joan of the Arc (Evanston), Divine Savior (Norridge). As associate pastor at the following parishes: St. Cornelius (Foster Ave), St. Williams (Sayer Ave), St. Maria Goretti (Schiller Park), and at St. Leonard (Berwyn), until he retired on June 20, 2002. During his service to God, Father Laske also joined the Federation of Fire Chaplains where he served as an Emergency Priest on Call for both the city of Grayslake and Berwyn Illinois Fire Departments.

Father Laske was often referred to as "Unk" by his sister and brother-in-law's children and their families. Family was very important to Ken and he spent a lot of his free time with them. His pastimes included jogging/walking, yardwork, listening to polka music, making Polish Sausage at Easter, and traveling with family.

Father Laske was preceded in death by his parents; Stanley and Gertrude (nee Kaminski) Laske and his brother-in-law Charles Thometz. He is survived by his sister Mary Ann (Sue) Thometz, nephew Dr. Tim Thometz, Dave and Niece Linda (nee Thometz) Fromholz, nephew Jim and Miriam Catthy (nee Velasquez) Thometz, nephew Mike Thometz; great nieces Jessica Fromholz & Jennifer (nee Fromholz) and WIlliam Pyle and great nephews Eric & Brian Thometz.

Funeral arrangements:

Visitation and Funeral Mass will both be held on Wednesday, June 3rd 2026 at St. Francis de Sales Church in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Lying in Repose / visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. till 11:00 a.m.

Funeral mass will start at 11:00 a.m.

Interment will follow at Maryhill Cemetery in Niles Illinois. Chapel Service is at 2:30 p.m. Burial will immediately follow the chapel service.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen

To post an online condolence proceed to the bottom of the obituary under Guest Book where you can post your condolence.

Derrick Funeral Home of Lake Geneva is honored to be assisting the Laske family.