Francis Laqua

Francis William "Bill" Laqua III, age 76, a resident of Siren passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on January 1, 2011 at St. Croix Regional Medical Center. Bill was born on July 2, 1934 in St. Paul, Minnesota to Francis and Marie Laqua. Bill attended St. Bernard's Elementary School, and graduated from St. Agnes High School. Bill married Jeanette Hub on November 10, 1956. Bill joined the US Navy Reserve working as a Electronic Technician. He also served on active duty for two years after the Korean Conflict. Bill was a longtime employee of Honeywell and was a private pilot flying his Cessna 150. He loved airplanes and enjoyed researching and educating himself of their history. Bill also enjoyed being a Ham Radio Operator (W0FBN) and serving as an emergency radio communications person for the local area. Bill had a passion for music even though he did not play an instrument but restored pipe organs. In his free time he served on the Burnett County Board for a number of years. Bill was preceded in death by his parents. Bill is survived and will be sadly missed by his loving wife of 54 years, Jeanette; their children Jeanne Laqua (Terry Bernhardt), Stephen (Kathleen) Laqua, Thomas (Susan) Laqua, Karen (Jeff) Howe; grandchildren Timothy (Lindy) Laqua, Jessica (Ryan) Marschinke, Emily Coil, Jason Laqua, Daniel (Jenny) Laqua, Matthew (Jen) Laqua, Lauren Howe, Sarah Howe; 6 great grandsons; brother Jerry (Marlene) Laqua; sisters Marie Opsahl and Kathleen Worlickey; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends. Visitation will be Friday, January 7, 2011 from 5-8 PM at Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Siren Chapel. Funeral service will be Saturday, January 8, 2011 at 11:00 AM (visitation 10-11 AM) at St. Dominic Catholic Church, Frederic. Interment will be held at St. Dominic's Catholic Cemetery. Casketbearers are Timothy Laqua, Jason Laqua, Daniel Laqua, Matthew Laqua, Mark Laqua, and Joseph Churchich.