Henn Laidroo

Henn Laidroo, age 93, of Fort Wayne, Indiana passed away on Friday, April 21, 2023. He was born in Voru, Estonia on June 27, 1929. His family moved to Tartu, Estonia’s second largest city, when he was about seven. In the late summer of 1944 during World War II, Henn was starting 4th grade and life in Estonia was changing. Pictures of Soviet leaders were hung in classrooms, the Russian language was added to school curriculum and Biblical scripture was banned. Because of the oppressive rule under the Russiaan occupation of Estonia, plans were made to leave the family farm and the country. Refugees could only take what they could carry. The Laidroo family made it to German-occupied Poland where they stayed in Displaced Persons camps until their final destination. And in 1949, the Laidroo family made it to the United States.

Henn and his family worked hard to earn their way in America. They saved their money and built a home in Crystal Lake, Illinois. During the Korean War, Henn served in the Army Signal Corp. Upon his honorable discharge, he took up carpentry until he decided on attaining a degree in Electrical Engineering from Milwaukee School of Engineering. While in college, he was introduced to his future wife at an Estonian gathering in Chicago and they married in 1959. Henn retired from Magnavox almost 30 years later.

He was interested in photography, Sudoku, and was an avid watercolor artist. Those who met him loved him for his wit, quiet strength and generosity.

Henn leaves behind his children, Erik Laidroo, Ingrid (Bill) Martin; grandsons, Aaron Laidroo, Braydon Laidroo; and great-granddaughter, Braelyn Laidroo. He was predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Eevi Tarem Laidroo; parents Mart and Emilie Laidroo; sister, Astrid Laamann; and most recently his nephew, Sven Laamann.

Memorial Service is 12:30 PM on Saturday, June 10 at Trinity English Lutheran Church, 450 West Washington Blvd, Fort Wayne with calling two hours prior.

Memorial Contributions may be directed to Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana, 6316 Mutual Drive, Fort Wayne, IN 46825 or U.S. Veterans Charity of choice.