Lawrence Wayne Plaszcz

Lawrence W. Plaszcz, 82, of Elk Mound, passed away Saturday, March 2, 2024 at Mayo Clinic Heath System - Eau Claire.

Lawrence was born, January 2, 1942, in Minneapolis, MN to Jeanette (Gilcowski) and Frank Plaszcz.

He attended high school at Weyerhaeuser, WI and college in Superior, WI. During his schooling he was the President of his class, played football and majored in education.

His first teaching position, was in Hayward, WI, where he was the assistant football and ski coach. While working there he met Judy Brunberg. They were married in a traditional Polish 3-day wedding on August 5, 1967.

In his next teaching and coaching position, he worked in the Elk Mound School District where he worked in Physical Education and was very proud of his accomplishments as he started many traditions at the school. He was part of many firsts for the sports programs, including a football title, cheerleading, pom poms, basketball and track and field.

His final teaching and coaching position was with Boyceville Schools, where he taught all subjects in fifth and sixth grade. He was also the Connersville Building Principle. He coached Junior High track and field and was the assistant football coach. He retired in 1999.

Lawrence played basketball, baseball, softball, golf and bowled. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and trapper. His favorite pastime was walking in the woods. He enjoyed gardening, flowers, harvesting wild rice, chickens, bees and canning. He loved to polka and was always ready for a good time. He was a support and guide to his children, grandchildren and any one else on and off the field. The things he will be most remembered for is his handshake, laugh, smile, the twinkle in his eye, honesty, helpfulness and always looking to help others be the best they could. The words used to describe Lawerence would be best coach ever, legend, mentor, leader, great man, larger than life, teacher and how he stood up for what he believed in.

Lawrence is survived by his wife, Judy; children, Craig (Jackie) Plaszcz of Elk Mound, Sue (Ed) Bergh of Holcombe and Wende (Mark) KasaKaitas of Elk Mound; grandchildren, Alana Plaszcz, Brook Plaszcz, Becca (Kirk) Secraw, Katie (Will) Miller, Brody Bergh, Logan Bergh, Mikayla (Wyatt) Britton, Landon KasaKaitas, Marquis KasaKaitas, Elliot KasaKaitas, Jaron KasaKaitas and Katelyn KasaKaitas; great-grandchildren, Kalvin and Rory Secraw; sisters, Marlene (Mike) Moelter and Cindy Olson; nephew, Frank (Raquel) Goodman and many other nieces and nephews and god children.

He is preceded in death by his parents Jeanette and Frank Plaszcz; brother, Frank "Junior" Plaszcz and brother-in-law, Mike Olson.

A Celebration of Life will start at 1pm with a Memorial Service taking place at 4pm, Saturday, March 16, with Jordan Herrick officiating at Whitetail Golf Course, 8414 760th Avenue, Colfax, WI. Sampson Funeral Home, Colfax is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.sampsonfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Larry Plaszcz Memorial Fund, mailed to or dropped off at Peoples State Bank, 1428 N Broadway Street, Menomonie, WI, 54751. Checks are to be made payable to Craig Plaszcz, with memo line being, Larry's Memorial Fund. All funds will go towards scholarships for Elk Mound and Boyceville Schools.

The family wishes to thank: Mayo Clinic Palliative Care Team, Mayo Clinic 3rd and 4th floor teams, Mayo Clinic Hospitalist Team, Dr. Lucas Ludeman and Richard Suckow.
 

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