William E. Laschen Jr., 59, Lead Guitarist of the Vanguards

He was born in Sheffield Township on March 27, 1949 and went on to graduate from Clearview High School.

Bill was the founder and lead guitarist of the Vanguards, a band that performed at a multitude of engagements throughout Ohio’s lakeshore communities. He was also a talented photographer who chronicled many wedding ceremonies in the area.

Regarded as a extremely benevolent individual, Mr. Laschen formerly volunteered as a troop leader for the Erie Shores Girl Scout Council. He was extremely accomplished in the field of electronics and was especially handy with computers. In his free time he enjoyed small animals, camping and spending time outdoors.

Bill was employed as a quality control specialist for the Ford Motor Company serving at both the Lorain Assembly and Ohio Truck Plants. He retired in 2000 following 34 years of service with the automaker.

Survivors include his wife Debra, mother Lucille Laschen (nee Tocchi), sister Debbie Panchak and her husband Russell, sister Donna Konowal and her husband Bob, brother Allan Laschen and his wife Terri, along with nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Yvonne Laschen as well as his father William E. Laschen, Sr.

Visitation will be Saturday Feb. 14, 2009 from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. in the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel, 3224 Broadway Avenue, Lorain.

In lieu of flowers the family encourages memorial contributions to the Friendship Animal Protective League, 7202 Murray Ridge Road, Elyria, OH 44035.

To leave on-line condolences for the family please visit www.gluvna.net.