Grace E. Lasko

Grace Ellen (Knabusch) Lasko, age 76 of Monterey, CA, formerly of Kamuela, HI and Monroe, MI, passed away peacefully in her home on Friday, February 2, 2024, with family at her side. Born April 9, 1947 in Monroe, Grace was the daughter of the late Milton J.H. and Sally A. (Rowland) Knabusch. She was baptized at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Maybee, MI and was educated and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church and School in Monroe. After graduating from Monroe High School in 1965, Grace attended Eastern Michigan University where she met Roger S. Lasko, whom she wed on June 24, 1967 at Trinity Lutheran Church. In 1968, they moved to Waianae, HI where Grace quickly landed work as a high school substitute teacher. Grace and Roger were blessed with the birth of two children, Krisanta and Shawn, while living on Oahu, who were their pride and joy. In 1978, Grace and Roger moved to the Big Island of Hawaii. There was no Lutheran church on the Big Island, so Grace attended and worked in the Waimea St. James Episcopal Church. Since it was not a Lutheran church, she did not become a member, but she was valued so much that she was allowed to serve on the St. James Episcopal council. Grace also volunteered her time to manage the St. James Thrift Store. Grace also worked at the Hawaii Preparatory Academy in Waimea where her children attended both middle school and high school. To help pay their tuition, she taught English there as a second language to Japanese students. She also worked at Liberty House at the Mauna Lani Resort, a prestigious department store on the Big Island, where she loved to exercise her gift of gab. When her first grandchild was born in CA, Grace promptly moved to Monterey in February, 1998. As the extended family expanded to five grandchildren, and recently one great-grandson, Grace became a loving and devoted “Tutu” (Hawaiian for grandma). She would do anything for her family! While in Monterey, Grace worked in the photo department of Longs Drug Store until her retirement. Shortly thereafter, she began volunteering for the Bridge Restoration Ministry in its Second Chance Thrift Store. This ministry is a Christian-based recovery program for men and women with substance abuse problems. During this season, she managed the thrift store jewelry department and simultaneously mentored some of the women in recovery, teaching them valuable retail skills. In this community, Grace cemented some of her most cherished friendships; this is where she felt she made lasting and meaningful contributions. Grace loved cooking and baking for her cherished family. She was patriotic and flew her U.S. flag with pride in recognition of her father serving in World War II. She enjoyed decorating her home during the holidays. She was fondly referred to as "Amazing Grace,” and she was amazing! Grace is survived by her children, Krisanta (Will) Silva of Seaside, CA and Shawn Lasko of Monterey, CA; two sisters, Marilynn Bisquera of Mililani, HI and Joanne Timiney of Monroe, MI; sister-in-law Terry Knabusch of Bullhead City, AZ; five grandchildren: Jonah (Val) Silva, Malia Silva, Makena Silva, Kassia Silva, Jude Lasko; great-grandson Malakai; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Grace is preceded in death by her former husband Roger, a brother, Edward Knabusch, and brother-in-law, Credo Bisquera. Family and friends may visit from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 18th at Bacarella Funeral Home where services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday. Rev. John Carrier, Interim Senior Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church will officiate, followed by entombment at Roselawn Memorial Park. Livestream viewing of the service will be available via the funeral home website. A Celebration of Grace’s life will also be held in Monterey, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations in memory of Grace to be made to the Bridge Restoration Ministry at P.O. Box 113, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 or online at: www.tbrm.org. The family wishes to extend special thanks to: Rev. Josh Schmidt of Bethlehem Lutheran Church for his spiritual comfort and compassion; Sand Negret of Undefeated Fitness, her long-time personal trainer and friend; Dr. Heather Swallow of Wellspring Natural Health who radically helped improve her health in recent years; Visionary Health Care Services who provided exceptional around-the-clock caregiving in her final weeks; Hospice of the Central Coast who lovingly and painlessly helped her transition to heaven; and to all family and friends who fervently prayed for Grace during her illness. Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com.

Grace E. Lasko

April 9, 1947 - February 2, 2024