Don Laakson of Hayward, WI, passed away on Wednesday, December 12, 2012 at Saint Mary's Hospital in Duluth, MN after a short illness.

He was born to Bernice and Harold Laakson. He had six siblings, four brothers and two sisters, whom he loved very much. Don started his school years at the Lake School and finished them at Hayward High School. After school, he married and had three boys, Jason, Chris and Adam.

Don worked for Hayward Wood Products, Ernie's Auto Body and Hayward Auto Body. Doing body work was where he shined. In his later years, he took care of his uncle Zig and aunt Kay. Don loved to hunt and fish, he also loved spending time with his kids and grandkids.

He is survived by his boys, Jason (Tina) Laakson; Chris (Heather) Laakson and Adam Laakson, all of Hayward; grandchildren Jared, Evan, Ella, Destiny, Faith, Hunter and Sora; brothers Harold (Colleen) Laakson, of Illinois, Leslie Laakson, and Gunnard (Stepanie) Laakson, both of Hayward ; sisters Carolyn (Bob) Rescino, of Illinois and Janet (Howard) Appleby, of Minnesota . He is further survived by nieces, nephews other relatives and long time friends Rod Clute and Keith Emery.

Don is preceded in death by his parents, Bernice and Harold and his brother Robert Laakson.

Memorial Services will be at 12 noon on Friday, December 21, 2012 at Pineview Funeral Service in Hayward with Pastor Mark O. Wilson officiating. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until time of services on Friday.

Honorary casket bearers are Harold, Leslie and Gunnard Laakson, Carolyn Rescino and Janet Appleby.

Online condolences can be made at pineviewfuneralservice.com