Emil Carl Laack

Emil “Butch” Carl Laack Jr., age 75, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away Saturday, February 28, 2026, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota. Butch was born on June 23, 1950 to Emil and Maxine (Bly) Laack in Austin, Minnesota. He was raised in Austin and graduated from Austin High School in 1968. He went on to study auto mechanics at Austin Vo-Tec before enlisting in the Marine Corps with three childhood friends, Bob DeVriendt, Mike Rector, and Arden Engelby in December 1969. Upon completion of Basic Training, he returned home to marry his high school sweetheart, Linda Williams. They were married on July 25, 1970. Four months later, Butch was deployed to Vietnam where he served as a Field Radio Operator/Radio Dispatcher. He was awarded several medals and promoted through the ranks, ending his tour as Corporal in December 1971. Butch was extremely proud to be a United States Marine and a Vietnam Veteran. He always said, "Once a Marine, always a Marine!"

After his time in the service, Butch and Linda started their family residing in Mapleview. Their first child, Kris, was born September 1974. While living there, Butch served as a member of the City Council and Mapleview Volunteer Fire Department. He was also on the Mapleview Bowling Team. Upon the news of a second child, they moved across 4th Street/Broadway to their forever home in April 1983. Emily was born in July 1983; followed by their third child, Justin, in December 1984, completing their family.

Butch’s career consisted of working for various production facilities in Albert Lea, Minnesota, including Queen Productions/Scotsman Ice Maker, Wilsons, and Farmstead. He later returned working in Austin at Quality Pork Processors, joining Linda. They worked together on the production line for many years, all while he was the Union Steward. He served on the negotiating committee for new contracts with the Union and Quality Pork. He later served his most notable position as Union Representative for the UFCW Local 9 Executive Board. Butch knew the Union contract book in and out and was a permanent fixture on the family table. He then medically retired in 2012.

Butch was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed fishing and hunting with his family and friends. He loved spending time on the water. His famous line to end a day on the water was, “One more pass, we can go in.” As a child, he enjoyed building model cars and playing baseball. He also enjoyed playing card games such as 500 and Rummy. Most of all, Butch loved spending time with his family and friends.

Butch is survived by, his wife, Linda Laack; children, Kris (Tim) DeLaMater, Emily Harmon (Joel Ryks), and Justin (Amanda) Laack; grandchildren, Ashley (Tad), Jordan (Jordan), Raegann (Stevie), Maverick, Stella; great-grandchildren, Brekkyn, Briley, Brooklynn; brother, Bruce Laack; sister, Sandra Rumsey; sisters-in-law, Constance Thompson (Brian), Sue (Morrie) Kellogg, Connie (Steve) Smith; special Brother in Arms, Kenny Huntley; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Maxine (Bly) Laack; in-laws, Hank and Mitzie Williams; nephews, Darrick Laack and Alexander Laack; and brother-in-law, Sonny Williams; along with several aunts and uncles.

**Live life like Butch: Don’t let the hard days win!

The funeral service for Butch will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at Grace Lutheran Church in Austin, Minnesota. The visitation will take place from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home of Austin and will continue for one hour prior to the service at church on Wednesday. Butch will be laid to rest in Grandview Cemetery, Austin, Minnesota with Military Honors. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin are assisting the family with arrangements.