Obituary of Barbara Katherine Laska

Barbara Katherine Laska (née Kleine)

December 30, 1937 – December 27, 2024

Barbara Katherine Laska, affectionately known as Barb, passed away on December 27, 2024, at the age of 86, after a brave battle with pancreatic cancer. Recently, when asked "How are you?" Barb would dryly reply, "Well, I've had better centuries," prompting a chuckle from those around her. Born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Barb was known for both her keen wit and vast intellect.

As a child, Barb earned the playful nickname "the meanest girl in Minneapolis" after an incident where she impishly blocked her grandmother's passage into the kitchen. This mischievous side was balanced by her deep commitment to learning. Her mother, worried about her excessive reading, often encouraged her to venture outside, particularly to play on her trapeze. Barb, never one to shy away from a challenge, set the neighborhood record for the longest time spent hanging upside down on the trapeze. A voracious reader and exceptional student, Barb pursued her passion for history at the University of Minnesota, aspiring to become a librarian.

At university, Barb met Tom Laska, her future husband, captivated by his kindness and his distinction as the first of nine siblings to attend college. Tom was equally drawn to Barb's shy smile, sharp wit, striking blue eyes, and long, dark ponytail. Their love story faced an early test when Tom hit an academic rough spot, but Barb's unwavering support helped him not only graduate but also continue his studies. Barb herself graduated magna cum laude, was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa honor society, and accepted into the school of library science to work on her own master’s degree.

Together, Barb and Tom cultivated a warm, supportive family, raising six children who revere her as "the greatest mom ever." Barb's life was a testament to her dedication; she not only guided them through book clubs, cheered them on at countless sports events, and supported their education by helping with homework, but she also imparted invaluable life skills, teaching them the importance of responsibility, kindness, and resilience.

Despite managing many responsibilities at home, Barb answered the call to lead when asked upon. She served on the Annunciation parish council and was president of both the Annunciation Bowling League and the Richfield Skating Club. With a heart dedicated to service, she was a constant presence in charitable and community efforts, yet she never sought the limelight. Barb's love for history extended into her personal life, where she and Tom delved deep into family genealogy, meticulously tracing their lineage. Her home, adorned with an array of frog figurines, was a testament to her playful nature.

Barb is survived by her devoted husband of 65 years, Tom Laska; daughters Judy (Tom) Muehlbauer, Kathy (Ron) Rauchle, and Jenny (Mike) Kittock; sons Steve (Sue) Laska and Nick (Heather) Laska; 15 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her sister, Judith Kleine; her parents, Harold and Virginia Kleine; and her son, Tim Laska.

Visitation will be held at 10:00 AM, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM on Friday, January 10, 2025, at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis, MN.

After the service, a Funeral Luncheon will commence at 12:00 PM at the same location.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are preferred to the Holy Family Catholic Adoption Agency, found at holyfamilyadoption.org, an organization dear to Barb's heart.

Barb's legacy is one of love, laughter, learning, and an unwavering dedication to her family. Her life was a profound example of how one can touch many lives through kindness, intelligence, and humility.

“The measure of love is to love without measure” - St. Augustine