June Laskowske

June Laskowske, 77, of Milbank, SD, passed away on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at St. Wiliam's Care Center in Milbank.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at St. William's Chapel in Milbank. Visitation will be held from 12:30 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. at the chapel. A rosary service will begin at 1:30 p.m. Fr. John Helmueller will celebrate the mass. Burial will be at St. Lawrence Cemetery in Milbank.

June Marie Laskowske was born on June 10, 1948, in Ortonville, MN to John and Josephine (Messler) Laskowske. She was baptized, and later, confirmed at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, Milbank, SD. Her father died while she and her siblings were still young, and the family remained on the farm only a short time before moving to Milbank, SD. June considered herself fortunate to be able to attend St. Lawrence School for her early educational formation and then, in 1968 she proudly earned her diploma from Milbank High School. 

The United States Army enlisted June soon after graduation. Basic training at Fort McClellan, AL, was tough in the heat and humidity, but after surviving that challenge, she was moved to Fort Sill, OK, where she served as a trainee military secretary to begin, taking on more responsibility as the years progressed. June made sure there was never a dull moment in the office with her subtle, yet sublime, humor. She was rewarded for the three and one-half years she spent in the Army, eventually being promoted to the rank of Sergeant. 

Following an honorable discharge on February 26, 1971, June returned to Milbank where she took up residence with her sister, Marlys. Initially she went to school at the Watertown VoTech, saying it was mostly "for fun." She studied medicine while there and left with a degree as a med aid. A job was secured at St. William’s Care Center in Milbank, where she worked a number of positions over the years. 

June had a deep love for all of God’s creatures. Her thumb was a green as any thumb could be, bringing life back to plants that everyone else had given up on, with her natural talent for gardening. If you had a question of any sort about plants, be they garden produce or flowers, June was the person to ask. Her knowledge in that area was incredible! Of course, since she loved to garden, she also loved to can her produce. Homemade sauces and jellies from tomatoes and chokecherries were abundant on her shelves and in her freezer. As a collector of cookbooks, June was able to try many new recipes with all that produce. 

June’s passions weren’t limited to gardening and working, however. Cats definitely make the list of creatures she loved, and it was evident in the way she fostered felines, making sure they were well fed and well loved. Watching birds was another joy for June. She made sure the plethora of feeders in her yard were always full. Really, she had a deep love for all of God’s creatures. 

In her free time, especially in the dark of winter evenings, June enjoyed watching one of the massive collection of movies she and Marlys owned. June favored the animated Disney films, except 101 Dalmatians which she thought had too much animal cruelty.

A devoted member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Milbank, June remained active in her faith throughout her life. 

June is survived by her sister; Sr. Savina Laskowske, DMSP, of Sleepy Eye, MN; her surrogate big brother, Tim Weber and his wife, Terri, of Milbank. She was preceded in death by her parents: John and Josephine Laskowske; sister, Marlys Laskowske; and brothers: Delmar Laskowske and Marvin Laskowske. The residents and staff at St. Williams Care Center will miss her cheerful demeanor and generous heart.