Mr. Peter Patrick Laughran

Laughran, Peter Patrick, 83, Rochester, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by the love of his family on May 6, 2009. He was born on September 26, 1925 in South Beloit, Illinois, son of Francis Nicholas and Frances Anne (Quinn) Laughran. On November 9, 1946 he was united in marriage to Hazel Kaskin at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Waterford. The have resided in Rochester for the past 60 years. Pete proudly served in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a B24 Flight Engineer from 1944-1946, attaining the rank of Master Sergeant. He was a member and past Commander of the Essman-Schroeder Legion Post 20 of Waterford. From the age of 5 he followed in his father’s footsteps in decorating the veteran’s graves at Rochester Cemetery for Memorial Day. He attended St. Thomas Aquinas and Rochester Graded Schools, and the Rochester Ag School, graduating in 1943 as the Salutatorian of his class. He was employed by Moxness Products and Medical Products – Kendall Corp of Racine, working with the new medium of silicone and plastics for the Medical field, as a Silicone Engineer and Process Control Manager. Pete’s gifts were many and he shared them willingly and often with his family and friends. He will be remembered as a man of great integrity and quiet dignity. During his journey through life he coached little league and was a Cub Scout and Boy Scout Leader for many years. He served as the Village of Rochester Assessor for 40 years and on the Village Board. As a Rochester Volunteer Firefighter for 39 years, he was voted the “State Firefighter of the Year”. His interests included camping, bowling, hunting, reading, and family history. He realized his dream of visiting Ireland in 1998. He was a Founding member and Historian of the Rochester Area Historical Society. Most of all he was a loving husband, father, uncle, grandfather, and friend. Pete loved Rochester and will be sadly missed by the people whose many lives were touched and inspired by him. Survived by his wife Hazel, Children: Kathleen (Thomas) Trimberger, Burlington; Michael (Deborah), Tequesta FL; Mark (Anna Marie) of Greendale; Patrick, Auckland NZ; David (Nancy), Rochester; Mary (Gerald) Itzenheiser, Waterford; Gerald, Rochester; Julie (Bill) Batchelor, Kansasville. Grandchildren: Nicholas and Gregory Trimberger, Angelina (John) Olkowski, Michael and Shannon Laughran, Jacob and Joe Itzenheiser and Jared and Bryan Batchelor. Nephew Douglas Laughran and niece Laura Laughran. Preceeded in death his parents, and one brother Quentin. Mass of Christian Burial celebrated Tuesday May 12, 2009 10:00 AM at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 307 S. First Street (Hwy 20), Waterford, WI. Burial with Military Honors following Mass on Tuesday at Rochester Cemetery. Visitation in the Funeral Home, Monday evening 5-8 PM with a prayer vigil at 7:30 PM. IN Lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Rochester Fire Department, or Rochester Historical Society appreciated. Mealy Funeral Home, Inc. 225 West Main Street Waterford, Wisconsin 53185 262-534-2233 www.mealyfuneralhome.com