Dr. William Ganfield Laatsch

Dear Fran and Family,
The only word that comes to mind when I think of Bill is gratitude, for we can all be grateful that William Laatsch crossed our paths. Our university is far better because Bill was our faithful and devoted leader. As students, he opened so many perspectives that our lives our richer and our missions so much more fulfilling. And, as teachers, he was an incredible example of how to excite students. Thank you for sharing him with the world which is a far better...

My deepest sympathies to Bill's family. Over the course of the years, I had the pleasure of meeting Bill through various activities, most of which involved hearing him present on the Belgian heritage of Southern Door County. I loved those presentations, even after hearing them repeatedly -- his knowledge and enthusiasm were amazing.

960 Jefferson Pl

As a student at UWGB in the mid-90's, I had a long list of general education courses to choose from, so I asked my dad, who worked in the campus security department, whose class I should take. He took one look at the list and told me with no hesitation, "Take Dr. Laatch's class. That'll be fun!" Dad was right. Dr. Laatch did make learning fun. Cultural geography class was a positively joyful learning experience. It was a semester of learning and laughter I'll always fondly remember. My...

I had the pleasure of having Bill as a teacher in Regional Analysis, graduating in 1979. I still remember the slides of Belgian brick farmsteads and many more interesting things about WI. Some 25 plus years later he was one of the two faculty putting on an orientation session for my son, who also graduated from UWGB. I got a chance to sit down with him afterward and enjoy a great conversation with the "big cheese". We spoke about the recent tornado that had struck 4 counties in Northern WI,...

Dear David, Tara, Elizabeth, and Andrew:
Shawn and I send our sincere sympathies on the loss of your father and grandfather. What a remarkable man! Clearly left a mark on all that crossed his path. We will be praying for you all in the coming days, weeks, and months...
God Bless,
Shawn and Becky Babcock

Bill was a friend and mentor to me with his generous spirit and gentle soul. He helped me appreciate the beauty of our world and to see all that is good in people. A humble giant of a man, he inspired us all to be better stewards of our planet and kinder to each other. He will be missed.

Billwas a great teacher who taught us students in the 80s in a fun way so that we learned to love and enjoy the geography that he loved. "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handiwork." Psalm19:1

Bill was a wonderful support to me as a new faculty member at UW-Green Bay from day one, and he took a special interest after learning I was also a Carroll alum. He inspired me with his kindness, dedication, and the respect and dignity with which he treated everyone. I am profoundly grateful to have known him, learned from him, and called him a colleague and friend. I send my deepest sympathies to his family.