Kola L. Shariff

Kola (Laatsch) Shariff 38, of Wisconsin Rapids, WI passed away unexpectedly on May 3, 2024.
Kola was born on March 26, 1986 in Duluth MN. She spent her early life living outside Duluth. Kola's parents Fred and Eileen Laatsch found her in Spring 1994. She was a keeper.
The Laatsch family moved from Esko, MN to Port Edwards WI in Summer 1997. Kola was active in basketball and choir. Growing up she was a member of the Wisconsin Rapids Aqua Skiers, including being part of the world record setting "Golden Girls of Waz" ballet line in 2001. She graduated from John Edwards High School In 2004. Kola attended tech school for cosmetology in Green Bay initially, and then joined Job Corps. After completion of Job Corps, she moved to Minnesota before returning to Central Wisconsin to raise her family.
Kola's kids were her greatest accomplishment. She passed on many of her qualities and traits to her kids. Mason (15) is smart and a great cook. Aaliyah (14) is a fashionista, an amazing artist, and great with kids. Brooklynn (13) is creative, loves nature and a fast swimmer. Jaxon (11) loves sports and gaming. Javonte (6) is clever and kind. Kaison (5) is an unending ball of energy who gets big ideas and runs with them. All of her kids picked up on her love of music and ability to quickly sing along to a new song.
Kola never met an animal she didn't love, and passed that trait on to her kids. This includes "rescuing" bunnies from Ripple Creek Park, as well as hamsters, stray dogs, and homeless cats. Her favorite 4-legged family members were Renegade, Bat-Man, and Yetti.
Kola loved being by the water, including tubing, skiing, and fishing with her family. She found ways to make summers memorable by taking her kids camping. She liked to make birthdays and holidays special for her kids by decorating and making large meals.
Kola will be missed by everyone she met, including her siblings Dan Laatsch, Tammy Siltanen, Christa (Chris) Thalacker, Alexandra (Jerry) McKinney, Jessie (Scott) Klapperich, Donovan Laatsch, Mariah Laatsch (and Joe). Kola has many nieces, nephews and other extended family members and close friends who will also miss her.
Kola was outgoing, fun-loving, funny, and kind. She would look for ways to help people whenever possible. Kola's smile and laughter will be missed.
A celebration of life will be held on May 31 at Helen's House Park Shelter at the Wisconsin Rapids Zoo (1921 Gaynor Avenue) from 4pm-8pm. A short memorial service will be at 5:30.
Kola's family would like to thank the staff at Feldner-Ritchay Funeral Home for their assistance during this difficult time.