Carmel ~ Ernst A. Lassen, a 29-year resident of the Monterey Peninsula, passed away peacefully on June 27. He was born February 14, 1927 in West Prussia, Germany, to Cuno Josua Lassen and Maria Pfeiffer Lassen. Ernst immigrated to the United States in 1951 with his future wife, Edith, upon invitation of his aunt, Carola Raymond, who had lived in Los Angeles for many years. Having studied architecture at the Technical Universities in both Munich and Darmstadt, Germany, Ernst’s aim was to establish his own construction business in Los Angeles. Beginning with speculative building of private residences, Lassen Construction Company soon expanded to include the building of commercial properties such as shopping centers in the early 1960’s.
As Ernst experienced the horrors of World War II firsthand, he was dedicated to the idea of a peaceful future between Europe and the United States and became one of the founding members of the United European American Club in 1962. This organization fostered exchange between Europeans and Americans, specifically in arranging affordable charter flights between both continents. Ernst’s involvement in implementing the Sister City Program between Los Angeles and Berlin was recognized by Mayor Sam Yorty who presented him with the Los Angeles Mayor’s Certificate of Appreciation for Community Service in 1970. What started out as personal dedication to an ideal soon evolved into a demanding business and thus Ernst eventually opted to forego his building profession. Management commitments took him back to Europe in the early 1970’s where he and Edith stayed until 1983, after which they returned to live in Pebble Beach.
During the remaining 29 years on the Peninsula. Ernst was committed to contributing his time and energies to the organizations he was involved with. He was very active on the Board of Trustees of the Church of the Wayfarer for 10 years and supervised the extensive renovation and reconstruction of the educational and administration offices of the church. He was an active member of the Rotary Club of Carmel-by-the-Sea and a member of the International Club of Carmel. In his free time, Ernst enjoyed traveling with his family and was an avid skier, both in Europe and the United States.
In addition to his wife of 61 years, Edith, Ernst is survived by his daughter, Marcella Lassen of Switzerland, three grandchildren, his brother, Cuno Lassen in Austria and a nephew and niece in Switzerland and Washington.
Private services have been held. In lieu of flowers it is suggested that donations be made to the favorite charity of the donor.
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