Leo Laughran

LEO KENNETH 'KEN' LAUGHRAN, 85 ROCKTON - Leo Kenneth "Ken" Laughran, 85, of Rockton passed away Saturday, May 28, 2011, at Wesley Willows Nursing Facility. Ken married Joan Pomainville Boyce on Aug. 19, 1972. Ken served as a corporal in the USMC during World War II in the occupation of Japan. He was a lifetime member of the National Education Association, The Rockton American Legion Walter Graham Post 332, was a trustee on the board of directors for the Beloit Boys Club Inc., and was an avid hunter and fisherman who never missed an opening day of deer season for more than 50 years. He enjoyed reading, golfing and watching the Packers, and had his private pilot's license. Education was very important to Ken, earning a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater, a master's degree in education from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and his degree in advanced education from Northern Illinois University. Ken had 33 years of experience in education in Illinois, with the last 26 of his career as the superintendant of the Rockton School District 140. He traveled all over the world with his wife, Joan. Ken is survived by his son, John (Paula) Boyce of Machesney Park; sister-in-law, Frankie Roper of Washington; and cousins, Paula Pomainville of Boulder Junction, Wis., and Dr. Mary Franklin of Georgia. He also leaves a group of very close friends. Ken was preceded in death by his wife, Joan; son, Michael; stepson, Peter; his parents; and brother, Don, who passed away serving our country in the Korean War. Service will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 1, in Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N. Alpine Road, with a one-hour visitation before the service. Cremation rites will be accorded. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his name to the Rockton Elementary Education Foundation. The family would especially like to thank the staff at Wesley Willows Nursing for their great care. sunsetfhmem gardens.com.