Obituary of Maurice C. Laug

Mr. Maurice C. Laug, 88, formerly of Maple Avenue, Canajoharie, New York , died, early Monday morning, February 15, 2010 at Palatine Nursing Home. Born on February 15, 1922 in Coopersville, Michigan, he was the son of Harold G. Laug and Charlotte I. Lillie Laug. Mr. Laug was a graduate of Coopersville High School, Class of 1940. He was also a graduate of Hope College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1945. It was at Hope College where Mr. Laug met his wife. He then received a Master of Science Degree in Bacteriology and Public Health from Michigan State in 1950. Mr. Laug was employed as a Court Officer for Montgomery County for 19 years (1980-99). Prior to that, he was employed as Corp. Manager of Sanitation for Beech-Nut in Canajoharie from 1967-1979. He was also a Bacteriologist and Chemist for Swift Co. Research Laboratories in Chicago from 1954-1967. Mr. Laug also served as a staff member for Michigan State University. He had been a resident of Canajoharie since 1967. Prior to that, Mr. Laug resided at Country Club Hills, Illinois for 3 years. Mr. Laug was a Veteran of World War II and Korea, serving in the U.S. Navy as Lieutenant Commander, retiring after 33 years of active duty and reserves. Mr. Laug enlisted in the United States Navy Reserves November 3, 1942 while at Hope College in Holland, MI, ordered to active duty on July 1, 1943, reporting to Denison University in Granville, OH and served with the Pacific Theatre until he was released to inactive duty in 1946. Mr. Laug returned to active duty in 1951 for the Korean War serving until February 1954. He continued with the Reserve Unit Association until placed on the retired list in 1973. Mr. Laug was an active member of the Reformed Church of Canajoharie where he served as both Elder and Deacon. He was a former member of the Grand Ledge Michigan Lion's Club and Park Forest Illinois Lion's Club, board member of Central Mohawk Valley Lion's Club and past President, Secretary, and Treasurer, holding every office in the club. Mr. Laug was the recipient of the "Melvin Jones Fellowship Award" for dedicated Humanitarian Services. This is the highest award received by a member of the Lion's Club International. Maurice was also a member of the Fort Rensselaer Club of Canajoharie, the Van Alstyne Homestead Society in Canajoharie, the Canajoharie/Fort Plain B.P.O.E. Elks Lodge #2621, the Sprout Brook Rod & Gun Club, the N.R.A, and the Canajoharie Smith-Schultz American Legion Post #222. Mr. Laug, was a board member as well as a Trustee for the Canajoharie Falls Cemetery Association. On August 6, 1948, Mr. Laug married Virginia C. Hemmes at Bethany Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In addition to his wife, Virginia C. Laug of Palatine Bridge, Mr. Laug is also survived by his three daughters, Deborah A. and Ronald Limoncelli of Palatine Bridge, NY, Nancy H. and Stephen Herron of Fort Plain, NY, Lise L. Cappuccio of Amsterdam, NY, and a son, M. Charles Laug, Jr. of Pella, IA. Also surviving are 5 grandchildren; Adam and his wife, Nikki, Andrea and Amy Laug, P. Aaron and his wife, Valerie Baxter and Alison Limoncelli, 5 great-grandchildren as well as several cousins.