John “Jack” Maurice Laschkewitsch

John Maurice Laschkewitsch died at home on Friday, June 20, 2025, at the age of 85.

John (often known as “Jack”) was born on July 29, 1939 in Bismarck, North Dakota. He was raised there and graduated from Bismarck High School and Bismarck State College where he received the Faculty Service Award. He received a bachelor’s degree from North Dakota State University and Graduate Degrees from Central Missouri State University and the University of Missouri (Columbia). During an early ten-year teaching career, he held professorial appointments at St. Cloud State University (Minnesota) and South Dakota Association.

John enlisted in the North Dakota National Guard, rose to the rank of Sergeant, went through Officer Candidate School, and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. He entered active Duty in July 1972 and retired as a Regular Army Officer (Medical Service Corps) in 1993. Col. Laschkewitsch was President of the Tri-Service Audiology and Speech Pathology Society and was awarded the Army Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, and Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster. He was a graduate of the Army Command and Staff College and the Army Management and Staff College. He was deeply honored to have received the Elizabeth Guild Award for professional excellence in Military Audiology from his Tri-service military colleagues.

John married Mary M. Morris of Bismarck, N.D. on August 31, 1961. They raised their four children together and Mary died in Midland, Texas in 1997. John married Carolyn Wallum on July 19th, 2002 in Midland, Texas. She was warmly welcomed by the large and loving Laschkewitsch family.

John worked with special needs children as a Speech Pathology Specialist in the Ector County School District for ten years before retiring in December 2002. He found great joy in seeing these little ones grow, develop, and overcome problems.

John was preceded in death by his father John P. Laschkewitsch, his mother Marguerite A. Laschkewitsch, his wife Mary, and two of his sons, John Brian and Ben Maurice.

He is survived by his wife Carolyn, his son Scott Timothy (Shannon) of Missouri, and daughter, Sheri Kay Patterson (Kevin) of Florida, his daughter-in-law Imelda, his six grandchildren Sam, Luke, Amy, Rose, Connor, and Mary, and two great grandchildren Lance and River Laschkewitsch.

In addition, John is survived by Carolyn’s children, Keith Wallum (Allison) and Kevin Wallum (Stephanie), grandchildren Whitney Major (Eric), Kelly Broach (Kyle), Tristan Wallum, Bradley Chafin, Silas Crews (Kindal), Aly Wallum, Kenzie Davis (Noah) & her seven great grands.

Finally, John is survived by his loving siblings: brother Donald J. Laschkewitsch (Fran), and his sisters Deloris E. Spengler (George), Carol M. Simmers (Bob), and Cheryl M. McNatton, all of North Dakota. He also leaves behind a multitude of wonderful cousins, nieces, and nephews.

John and Mary were especially proud that all three of their sons were Eagle Scouts and went on to receive appointments at West Point and the US Air Force Academy. All three served their country with distinction, just as he did. They were also very proud of their daughter for completing a degree at Abilene Christian University in just three years.

John was taught the Bible at an early age and was deeply influenced by the Godly disposition of his parents and grandparents. Because of his sincere love for truth and for Jesus he became a Christian. He considered himself extremely fortunate to have had a wife who was also a committed Christian. John grew in faith throughout his lifetime and realized that his happiness was rooted in the conviction that God keeps his promises. He felt God’s hand on his shoulder and was thankful for the discipline, gracious love, and blessings he daily experienced from above. He was especially aware of the gifts of friendship, fellowship, and support that he received as a member of the Fairmont Park and Westside Church of Christ in Midland, TX.

More than anything else, John loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus, his wife, his parents, his entire family, and his dear friends. He was always grateful for those with whom he could laugh, love, worship, cry, and hope. He talked often of those who encouraged and befriended him throughout his life here on earth and looked forward to seeing them again in paradise. John’s favorite bible verse was John 13:34-35.

John’s memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at 2:30pm at the Westside Church of Christ in Midland, TX.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 8, 2025 at 11am at the Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Mandan, ND.

Please send any Memorials to the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver; 2707 S. Lamar Street Denver, Colorado 80227.

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