Florian "Red" Lasecke Jr.

We just wanted to thank the Slowinski family for arranging the beautiful funeral for Red. Frank and I were able to watch it online from Florida, and it was so heartwarming to hear the beautiful things everyone had to say about Red, especially, the message that Ashley, his granddaughter, gave. I never had an opportunity to really get acquainted with all of Red's step family, but I feel like we know them from all the pictures Eunice and Red kept around the house, and all the special things they had to say about their grandchildren, whom they loved so much. I don't know when I have last seen a more beautiful funeral. Red would have been so proud. Thank you so much. ~Frank and Gail Lasecke

The fleet was in winter harbor in Milwaukee when my mother took me to visit Red. I was young, maybe in first or second grade. I’d never seen a boat so big in my entire life. I was awestruck. As Red gave us a tour, I think the ship was the Arthur M. Anderson, I collected little pellets of iron ore which I found in the crevices of the walkways. Red noticed and found a small plastic container to hold them for me, which I now realize was from some other sailor’s chewing tobacco. I treasured that little souvenir of our visit to Red’s giant boat for a long time.

To me, Red was as big as that boat was. Larger than life! But he was also just a regular guy. He taught me ice fishing and how to make pickles in the refrigerator. How to ride an ATV without getting myself killed. He helped me make more than one toy wooden sword. He gave me my first cigar (don’t tell my parents!) and my first bottle of Point Beer.

Red helped my mother when she went to school at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, and bought her an electric typewriter. Years later, I’d learn to type on that same machine, and it had a home on my desk where I’d sit regularly and write stories and scripts, setting the stage for a career in storytelling.

I spent a lot of long weekends during my teenage years staying with Red and Eunie. I learned he could be bull headed and stubborn as all get out, nevertheless he always listened to his young nephew from the city and all my mad ideas about politics and the world with patience and respect, even when we got feisty with each other. And we got a bit feisty from time to time. He was a prickly, tender, tough old son of a gun who always took care of and supported his family, be they by blood or by choice. I loved him very, very much.

Some few years ago, my mother and I were visiting over Christmas, and Red and I were outside having a cigarette.. He told me he knew it was a bad habit, encouraged me to be good about quitting if I was going to quit, and then told me that when he was out having a cigarette he tried to do something good. He’d pray for the health, safety, and happiness of his loved ones, like his wife and my mother, with each drag. I think it was the only conversation we ever had about anything approaching religion. It was a profound lesson, one which I think sums up much of the core of Uncle Red’s character: whenever you have a moment, you should do something good with it. Something to support the people you love.

Red’s memory will be a blessing for all of us whose lives were touched by him. Always.

To all of Uncle Red's family, We extend our sincere condolences and prayers for your loss.
May Uncle Red rest in the peace and grace of our Lords arms.
All our love, Steve and Traci Dulak

Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.