Conrad Robert 'Charlie' Laasch

Conrad Robert ‘Charlie’ Laasch

Conrad Robert “Charlie” Laasch, recently of Moscow, died Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020 at his home. He was 81.

Charlie was born March 22, 1938, in Long Prairie, Minn., to Henry W. and Hazel Hamlin Laasch. The family moved to Brady, Mont., in 1943 where he grew up and graduated from high school. He joined the Air Force and he was trained in California and later stationed in Japan, Germany, and Turkey. While in Germany he met and married Gerda Reisser on May 23, 1964. He did a tour in Vietnam and later retired in Montana.

They moved to Bonners Ferry, Idaho, where he began his maintenance career, and moved to Moscow this past April to be closer to family. Over the years he enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, woodwork, playing cards, and shooting pool with his family and friends.

Surviving are his wife of 55 years, Gerda, at their Moscow home; a daughter, Mary (Steve) Francis of Genesee and granddaughters, Jamie (Russ) Erickson of Farmington and Jessica Jenkins in Spokane along with a great-granddaughter, Xyla of Genesee. Also surviving are many beloved nieces, nephews and cherished friends who were like family to him. Charlie also leaves two brothers and four sisters and was preceded in death by five other brothers and sisters and two sons, Robert and John.

Charlie was deeply loved and cherished by his people. His loss is great and he will be missed by all who knew him. He left the world a greater place and shared his humor, wisdom, and grace generously. He always had a cold beer and a warm smile and loved to visit with his family and friends. He was the greatest husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend anyone could ever ask for.

He will be laid to rest in Bonners Ferry later in the spring. The family request that any memorials be directed to the Wounded Warriors Project.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Short’s Funeral Chapel, Moscow, and online condolences may be sent www.shortsfuneralchapel.com.