Wayne Laschinger

Wayne D. Laschinger (Bayport, MN) passed away peacefully on February 5, 2021, a wonderful father, loving husband of 53+ years, grandfather, brother, uncle & friend will be missed forever.   Wayne was the first born child to Russell and Lorraine Laschinger on August 15, 1941.  Preceded in death by his parents, beloved sister Sylvia Rahm, and his special uncle Stanley “Starr” Reske.  Survived by his devoted wife Phyllis of 53 years, son Sean (Pahoua) Laschinger, daughter Erin (Dennis) Dickinson, grandsons Hunter & Connor, sisters MaryLou (Richard) Houde, Cynthia (Steve) Wandersee, cousin Michael (Rosemary) Heinrich, life long friends Jack & Jean McNutt, and many nieces, nephews, and in-laws.

Wayne was raised on the East side of St. Paul.  After graduating from Saint Agnes high school he went to The University of Minnesota where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1963. He then went on to obtain his Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education from the University of River Falls.  In 1969 he earned his Master’s degree from Mankato State and then topped his education off in 1976 when he earned his Specialist degree from Mankato State.  Wayne then devoted his career to the St. Paul School District for 32+ years, working as the media specialist.

Wayne always had an adventurous spirit and he instilled that spirit in his children.  He always enjoyed sharing his passion for the outdoors with his family.  He taught Sean & Erin (along with grandsons, nieces, nephews, and family friends) how to bait a fishing hook, tie fishing knots, build a campfire, canoeing techniques, how to safely handle a firearm, where to look for agates, special techniques to hooking fish, he opened our eyes up to the world of camping and he showed a few of us lucky ones his best fishing spots on the lake.

Wayne was a true outdoorsman his entire life.  An avid fisherman, hunter (deer, turkey, grouse), he loved camping, snowmobiling, ATVing, boating, water/snow skiing, snorkeling, spending time at his condo on Lake Superior, but his most loved getaway was his cabin in Webb Lake, Wisconsin.

Wayne had a passion for travel as well.  Over his lifetime he traveled the world – from the Canadian fishing & houseboat trips, to the tropics of the Caribbean, through all of Europe, and to as far as the Fiji Islands.  Most world travels were shared with his wife Phyllis and his children Sean & Erin.  The more “wild” trips included lifelong friends Jack & Jean.  There was never a dull moment on any vacation.  Wayne’s travels were always filled with adventure, love, excitement, education and beauty.

Wayne will be dearly missed by all, but his memoires will always be cherished by those who knew him.

Private mass for family will be held at Saint Charles Catholic Church in Bayport, MN.

We welcome all friends and family to join us May 16th, 2021 for a celebration of Wayne’s life. Full details to follow.