Fritz Johannes Laustsen, 91, of Waldoboro, died Nov. 20 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born Sept. 23, 1921 in Randers, Danmark to Mads Peter Laustsen and Ella Signe Jensen Laustsen.
In 1938, he sailed as a cadet on the full-rigged sailing ship, Georg Stage II. In 1939-40, he sailed on the full-rigged sailing ship, Danmark, also as a cadet. While he was visiting the U.S. the Nazis took over Danmark, so he finished his training at the Merchant Marine Academy in New York. He served as an officer in the U.S. Merchant Marine during WWII.
In 1946 with Danmark liberated, he returned to find his parents and his brothers, Eigil and Viggo, alive and well. The next year he married Else Hoier, his devoted wife for 65 years. In 1948 they immigrated to the U.S., settling in Port Washington, N.Y. where they raised their family of three.
He worked as a boat captain moving barges across New York Harbor for 12 years. He later owned and operated North Shore Decorating as a contractor until he retired to Waldoboro in 1987. They also enjoyed a second home in Moscow which they have owned since 1966.
He enjoyed sailing, canoeing, photography, watercolor, camping, hiking and gardening. In Port Washington, N.Y., he was a Sea Scouts leader and a deacon for over 20 years at the First Baptist Church. In Waldoboro, he was a member of the First Baptist Church, Audubon Society, and the W. Waldoboro Community Club. He was also a member of the Danish Brotherhood.
He lived out his life with the love of family, friends, country, and above all, to God. He is now in a better place.
He is survived by his wife, Else Hoier Laustsen of Waldoboro; daughters, Karin Britt Capone and husband Frank of S. Waldoboro, and Lisa Mai Laustsen of Rockland; son, Erik Vilhelm Laustsen and wife Cindy Ann of Rockland; grandchildren, Steven P. Capone of S. Waldoboro, Ellen J. Beckman and husband John of Waldoboro, Elena E. Laustsen of Rockland; great-grandson, Johnny Beckman of Waldoboro; nieces, Mariann E. Laustsen of Dexter, Yana E. Murray of Walden, N.Y., and Vivien Hoier Norgaard of Virum, Denmark; nephew, Torben Laustsen of Taastrup, Denmark; and loving extended family and close friends.
Friends are welcome to join the family for a time of visitation 6-8 p.m., Sat., Nov. 24 at the Hall Funeral Home, 949 Main St., Waldoboro. Service to celebrate Fritz’s life 2 p.m., Sun., Nov. 25 also at the funeral home. Pastor Jon Vermillion will officiate. Burial will be in the Achorn Cemetery in Rockland.
Contributions in Fritz’s memory may be made to the First Baptist Church of Waldoboro, P.O. Box 324, Waldoboro, ME 04572.
You are invited to share your condolences with the family by visiting their Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Hall Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 949 Main St., Waldoboro.
