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John Eugene LaBerge 1926-2007 John passed away Saturday, September 15, 2007 after a decade long battle with cancer. He died peacefully at his home surrounded by his family. John was born on May 17, 1926, in Ladysmith, Wisconsin to Archie and Louise LaBerge, he was the fifth of 12 children. John leaves a loving and extended family: His adoring wife of 59 years, Viola; son, David LaBerge and wife, Bea of Rio Rancho; grandson, Bryan LaBerge and wife, Allyson, their daughter, great-granddaughter, Kaitlyn Jean, all of Rio Rancho; Grandson Craig LaBerge-Esparza and partner, J.R of Albuquerque; daughter, Linda Maes of Los Alamos; granddaughter, Angela Maes and partner, Jeremy Hasted, their children, great-grandsons: Ezra Leigh, Kristian Neil, and John David, all of Santa Fe; granddaughter, Marisa Maes of Santa Fe; daughter, Janine LaBerge and partner, Christina of Denver; son-in-law, Frank Maes of Rio Rancho; daughter-in-law, Luanne Buden of Albuquerque who is still a treasured member of the family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Louise LaBerge; brothers, Donald and Francis LaBerge; sisters, Lorraine Giles and Betty Silvernale; and tragically, his son Ron in 1976. He graduated high school in 1944 and joined the US Army later that year. He served honorably in WW II. After his discharge in 1946, he moved to Los Alamos early in 1947. John met his lovely wife Viola in Wisconsin in 1945. Viola moved to Los Alamos in 1947. Their romance blossomed and they were married on January 23, 1948 in Santa Fe, NM. Their years in Los Alamos were full of friends and adventure. He worked at Los Alamos National Laboratory. John loved his work so much he took only 1 sick day in all his 35 years. He retired from LANL in 1983 and took a consultant position at New Mexico Tech in Socorro. He helped pioneer the CETR (Center for Explosive Technology Research). He retired from NM Tech in 1987. John had many interesting hobbies and pastimes. Both John and Viola were student pilots in the late 1940s, and enjoyed flying into Santa Fe and Espanola airports. He was an avid and successful hunter and enjoyed fishing and water skiing. He took his family on many memorable boating weekends at El Vado and Abiquiu reservoirs. He both loved and respected the great outdoors. He enjoyed traveling, and with Viola, they visited Hawaii, Alaska, took several cruises, and many road trips all across this great country. Los Alamos community will remember John as the Premier Shade-Tree mechanic. He graced many vehicles with his wrenches and his love of ALL things mechanical is evidenced by his well used home garage where he passed on his knowledge and skills to anyone willing to learn. He was a gracious host to any visitor at his home. Anyone who spent more than a moment with John knew he was easy to converse with and usually had a humorous anecdote to share. John enjoyed life and will be missed very much. A Memorial Service will be held at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church on North Road in Los Alamos on Saturday, September 22, 2007 at 11 a.m. A reception will follow the Service in the fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Los Alamos Visiting Nurse Service or The Cancer Institute of Santa Fe. Arrangements are under the direction of Berardinelli Family Funeral Services 1399 Luisa Street Santa Fe, NM, 87505 (505) 984-8600.
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