Emil Lazich

Emil Lazich, age 97 Greenfield, Wisconsin, formerly of Neshkoro, Wisconsin, died Thursday, March 15, 2018, at the Zablocki VA Medical Center, Milwaukee.  He was born August 18, 1920, Brockway Township, Wisconsin.  Emil served honorably with the United States Army during WWII. Emil, an accomplished musician, performed and toured with celebrities including Liberace, Desi Arnaz, Fay McKenzie, and Billy Gilbert.  Emil married LaVerne A. Burghardt June 24, 1944, at Milwaukee. Emil taught music at Accordion School of Champions, purchased the business and named it Lazich Music Center.  Emil worked with American Motors, and later with Southeastern Products, a division of Campbell Soup, until his retirement.

During retirement Emil was an active member of the Neshkoro Veterans of Foreign Wars post 10892 and Zion Lutheran Church. Emil enjoyed fishing, hunting, bowling, wine making, and square dancing with his wife LaVerne.

Emil is survived by his children: Carlene (Jeffrey) Briggs, Glenn (Mary) Lazich, Shirley (Curtis, deceased) Huntemann; seven grandchildren: April Catanzaro, Jeffrey Briggs, Glenn (Dana) Lazich II, Bernadine (John) Fletcher, Rhonda (Steve) Warner, Aaron (Ciara) Huntemann, Jared (Raquel) Huntemann; eleven great-grandchildren: John, Luke, Autumn, Grayson, Macie, Kaytlyn, Madyson, Ashley, Caroline, Jordan, and Easton; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Emil is preceded in death by his wife LaVerne, his parents, and eleven brothers and sisters.

A Memorial gathering is scheduled Wednesday March 21, 2018, 9:30AM to 10:30AM with a service to follow at Clement Manor Chapel, Greenfield, Wisconsin.

Funeral services are scheduled 11:00AM Thursday, March 22, 2018, at Zion Lutheran Church, Neshkoro, Wisconsin. Visitation is scheduled at the church Thursday 10:00AM until the time of service. Leikness Funeral Home is assisting the family. www.wautomafuneralhome.com