Continued from prior condolence

Now, I have no doubt that back in Granville Aunt Mary got an earful about being brought on a tour of riot sites and strip bars, the 100 locks and the mattress on the floor, but in the moment Uncle Gene kept his game face on and demonstrated what a gentleman he was.             

As we pulled up to my residence, I heard my father chuckling. I wasn’t sure what Uncle Gene was thinking and I couldn’t see his face. Not sure about my mother, if it was fear, embarrassment for me, or embarrassed that she brought her big brother on this trip, but she sounded like she is in respiratory distress.
So, we climb the steps and I begin the slow and painful process of unlocking what seems like 100 locks to get through the front door, the gate and finally the door to the apartment. I went in first, followed by Uncle Gene with my parents bringing up the rear. We shuffle around a bit because, of course it’s tight with four people in this efficiency, but eventually we manage to position ourselves so each can see the entire apartment. My mother is still laboring in her breathing.
Uncle Gene looks around at the mattress on the floor, my only two dishes piled low in the sink, and at all the locks on the door. He turns to his younger sister and finally back at me to utter the verdict… “good Tom, very resourceful, this is all a young man needs” and heads back out the door. My mother almost faints but by the time we get back to the car, all is well. (CONTINUED AGAIN)


Condolences to the LaSarge family from the Meike family in Arlington VA: Tom, Mara, Connor & Christian. 
I have three memories I’d like to share about Uncle Gene… 
Boats
I have vivid memories of Uncle Gene when I was young from his visits to Bills Lake, and the Lasarge family reunions on Lake Michigan and in Ludington. Uncle Gene always had some sort of watercraft in tow, from canoe to sailfish to Hobi Cats. The perplexing thing to me was that once the boats were unloaded and launched on the water, the entire LaSarge family would take turns trying to tip the boat over and sink it... Never got that, but great times, nonetheless. 
Got a smoke
I also have memories of stopping by Granville on several occasions while I was a Freshman at Aquinas. When I did, Uncle Gene would catch me outside to bum a smoke. After reflecting on this a bit, I decided that this Uncle Gene “outdoorsy bravado” was just a façade. It was clear that once you entered the house Aunt Mary ran the show. Quietly yes, but firmly. Good choice by the way, as Aunt Mary was one of the few of the LaSarge brood I never saw put a boat in the water just to sink it.
Tom’s Place
Years later Uncle Gene came to DC for a Defense contractor convention. After it was over my dad, mom and I met up with him for dinner. As the night closed someone suggested, probably my mom, that we show Uncle Gene where I lived. I am not sure what possessed this group to think this was in any way a good idea. But off we went. 
At that point in my life if I could save $25 a month in rent by moving over 3-4 streets, I would move 12 streets, and I did. Had a tour guide joined us it would have sounded something like this “on your left is 14th and U, the epicenter, and the charred remains of the 68 riots.” “On your right, are the strip bars that somehow came through the riots unscathed and are open for your business.” There certainly was no one in the streets protesting gentrification of my neighborhood. (Continued on a second condolence)


Grandpa I'm going to miss you so much. Youre in a better place now and with Grandma again. I'm going to miss all those conversations that we had about anything and everything. I had an amazing time with you when you took me to Logans Steakhouse and had some amazing margaritas. I still have those funny videos after everybody had a taste of my dads margaritas 🤣 still makes me laugh to this day. I love you so much Grandpa. Fly high ❤

It was Mr and Mrs LaSarge to me because they deserved the respect from all of us friends of the kids.  The family was large but another place at the dinner table was always offered.  Your Dad and Mom are/were great people and an inspiration to all of us.   My deepest sympathies to all of you.   Rick V

Dan, sorry to hear you Dad passed away, you are I my prayers and thoughts.

LaSarge family,

What an amazing, wonderful life Gene lived!  His love and talents he shared with his family and friends will forever be with them.  It was always very apparent at weddings, or other family gatherings, how much he truly loved and enjoyed his family.  Our deepest sympathies and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

OBITUARY

Eugene Antoine LaSarge

June 26, 1929 – September 14, 2022

Cook Funeral and Cremation Services

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