Obituary: Mark H. LaFlash

MADISON - Mark H. LaFlash, age 60, died of heart failure on Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2011, at University Hospital in Madison.

He was born Jan. 9, 1951, the son of Walter Jr. and Bernice (Birrenkott) LaFlash in Madison. Mark attended Central High School, and graduated from West High School. He loved and was very dedicated to his family, his friends, and his job at Meriter Hospital where he was employed in Environmental Services for more than 30 years. Mark was a true survivor overcoming cancer, and leukemia in his younger years. He was a very devoted son to his mother Bernice, and a volunteer for the Meals on Wheels program. His interests included sports, cars and politics. Mark was a member of St. James Catholic Church.

He is survived by nephews, Jason LaFlash, Chad LaFlash, Andrew LaFlash and Philp Gold; nieces, Caitlin LaFlash, Emily LaFlash and Marissa Gold; aunt, Rosie Werren; sisters-in-law, Susan LaFlash and Sharolyn LaFlash; and a brother-in-law, Auric Gold.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Jr. and Bernice LaFlash; brothers, John, Steve and Jim; and a sister, Mary.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 28, 2011, at GOOD SHEPHERD PARISH / ST. JAMES CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1128 St. James Court, Madison, WI 53715, with visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church.

Memorial donations may be made in Mark's name to The American Heart Association, 2850 Dairy Drive, Madison, WI 53718; or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 1311 Mamaroneck Ave., Suite 310, White Plains, NY 10605.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 27, 2011 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968).

Mark H. LaFlash is a Madison Central High School alumnus because he attended CHS for several years prior to transferring to West because Central closed in 1969.