Stephen V. Lato

STANLEY - Stephen V. Lato, 89, of 36017 25th Ave., Stanley, passed away peacefully at his home with his family by his side on Monday, Jan. 22, 2007.

Stephen was born Dec. 22, 1917 in Libartow, Poland, the son of Anton and Josephine (Kanadys) Lato. As a young boy he immigrated with his family to the United States in 1923 and moved to Chicago where he grew up and attended school through 8th grade. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during WWII being stationed in New Guinea and the Philippines. After his discharge he moved with his family to the Thorp area in 1947. He was united in marriage to Leona Langiewicz on July 5, 1947, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Stanley. They resided and farmed in the Thorp area for approximately 4 years. They then moved to the town of Worden south of Stanley where they farmed for 32 years, retiring in 1979.

Stephen enjoyed the outdoors, ice fishing, cutting wood, pan fishing, picking mushrooms and still more fishing. He also enjoyed spending time with family and friends playing cards.

He is survived by: his wife, Leona of Stanley; his nine children, Stephanie (Forrest) Supple of Boyd, Gary and James Lato both of Stanley, Dennis (Barb) Lato of Thorp, Sue (Greg) Gillett of Altoona, Peter (Jeannie) Lato of Chippewa Falls, Trish Lato of Belgium, Wis., Nancy Lato of Stanley and Janice (Oscar) Delaluz of Marshfield; 24 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Stella Cielocha of Chicago, Ill.

Stephen was preceded in death by: his parents; one daughter in law, Linda Lato; two brothers, John and Steve; and three sisters, Mary, Julia and Helen.

A memorial service will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 26 at the Plombon Funeral Chapel, Stanley, with Father Bob Hoekstra officiating. Friends and family may call from 3 to 5:30 p.m. at the funeral chapel.

Plombon Funeral Service is assisting the family with arrangements.