James R. "Jim" Laga

LAGA, JAMES R.

James R. Laga, of Appleton, age 62, passed away on Friday, October 9, 2009 at Appleton Medical Center. He was born on January 11, 1947 in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Charles and Lavern (Kreutzman) Laga. His family moved to Appleton when Jim was one year old and he has been a lifelong resident. Jim graduated from Appleton Senior High in 1965 and served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1965-1970. He served in Vietnam as a corpsman on the hospital ship USS Repose from 1969-1970. On August 2, 1970 he married the former Carol Amore in Appleton. Jim graduated from University of Wisconsin Green Bay in 1976. He was employed nights at St. Elizabeth Hospital for 31 years in the Emergency Room and from 2005 to present at Theda Clark Medical Center in the Communication Center. From volunteering in the community and Church, to showing endless love and support to his family, Jim spent his life serving others. He will be remembered for his good singing voice and original lyrics to well known songs.

Jim is survived by his loving wife: Carol Laga, Appleton; daughter: Joy Berthelette, Darboy; son: Luke (Emily) Laga, Madison; grandchildren: Anna Berthelette and Spencer James Laga; mother: Lavern Laga, Appleton; sisters: Kay Laga, Appleton; Lynn (Mike) Loeper, Appleton and Jill (Mark) Beyer, Greenville. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, godchildren, other relatives and many friends. Jim was welcomed into Heaven by his dad, Chuck and brother, Tim.

The memorial mass for Jim will be held at 11:30 am on Tuesday, October 13, 2009 at ST. BERNADETTE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2331 E. Lourdes Drive, Appleton. Father Don Zuleger will be officiating. The family will receive friends on Tuesday at the church from 9:00 am until the time of mass. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to your favorite wellness program.

The family would like to thank the entire ICU staff at Appleton Medical Center and friends and coworkers for their love and support these past seven weeks.

Grandpa,
Thank you for being the best grandpa in the world, and for always letting me paint your nails and do your hair. I will miss you grandpa.
Love, Anna

Grandpa Mustache,
Thank you for being so fun and loving me from the day I was born. You taught me to laugh, love and play. Thank you for teaching my daddy how to love me. I will always remember that you never run out of love to give. I love you grandpa mustache.
Spencer James Laga

Wichmann Funeral Home
537 N. Superior St.
Appleton, WI 54911
(920)739-1231