Victor Fred Lase, 100, previously from Gilroy, California, passed away peacefully on September 29, 2024 at his home in Discovery Bay, California.

Victor was born on April 16, 1924 on a farm just outside of Bancroft, Nebraska.  His early education was at the Lutheran Church School in Bancroft.  He grew up as the youngest child of Hans and Louise Lase, with sister Selma and brother Vernon.

Vic met his wife, Evidene Weddingfeld in 1944 and they were married on September 1, 1945.  Vic worked as a cabinet designer until 1953 when they moved to Hayward, California, where he worked for Dodge Motor Company.

While in Hayward, Vic was offered a position at Dudley Industrial Corporation and when the company relocated to Hollister, California in 1954, he was promoted to Plant Manager and was tasked in overseeing the moving and facilities set-up in Hollister. One of his greatest achievements while at Dudley, was his influence in perfecting the Gel Coat method that revolutionized the way boat parts were already colorized when removed from the mold.

When Vic's brother Vern moved to Hollister, California, they created National Fiberglass Company and produced various new products, one being the first swimming pool fiberglass slide.  In 1960, when the company outgrew the Hollister location, they relocated to Gilroy, California and in 1962 Vic sold his portion of the company and worked various freelance jobs until his employment with Gilroy Foods in the maintenance department.  He was a member of the Teamsters for 13 years until his promotion to  management overseeing the building and grounds.

Vic and Evidene enjoyed dancing and traveling in their Ercoupe single engine airplane and their American clipper motorhome, visiting 46 of the 48 States.  They made yearly trips to Nebraska often with their grandchildren in tow.  Vic was a member of the Shephard Lutheran Church for 61 years and a proud member of the Gilroy Lions Club for 59 years.

In 2016, Vic moved to Discovery Bay, California to live with his son and daughter-in-law where he joined the Discovery Bay Presbyterian Church.  He was highly revered and loved by all church members.  Pastor Doug Schoonover will be presiding over his memorial service.

Preceding his death are wife Evidene who passed on September 29, 2000 and his daughter Janet, who passed in 1982.  He is survived by his daughter Vicki Lase of Columbia, California, his son Jody Lase and daughter-in-law Debra of Discovery Bay, California. He also leaves behind his five beloved grandchildren, Joel (Joanna), Katrice, Keenan (Fabiola), Natalia (Eddie), and Angel.  He is also survived by many great grandchildren and friends.

Memorial service will be on October 16, 2024 at 2:00 pm in the Chapel at Habing Family Funeral Home in Gilroy, California.  Family will be in the chapel from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm to greet visitors.