Laverne "Jack" Gasser
, Wisconsin
June 24, 2026
LaVerne “Jack” Floyd Gasser, age 92, passed away on June 25, 2026, of natural causes, lovingly surrounded by his family. Jack was born on October 18, 1933, in the Town of Hutchins in Shawano County to Floyd and Lena (Ecker) Gasser. He grew up on a hard‑scrabble dairy farm in Gresham that lacked running water and electricity.Jack graduated in 1951 as valedictorian of Gresham High School, where he excelled in both baseball and basketball. In 1953, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served for four years, stationed in Mississippi, North Africa, and California. He was proud to be a Korean War–era veteran and carried that service with deep honor throughout his life.On June 2, 1956, he married the love of his life, Ardeen Barkow, at Stony Hill Lutheran Church in Shawano. They recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.After his military service, Jack used the GI Bill to…