Dr. Antonio Lim Lao

Dr. Antonio Lim Lao, 79, of Superior, WI, died peacefully Sunday, December 26, 2021, in his home with his wife of 56 years, Luz Rosales Penalosa Lao, at his side. He was born in Kapalong Davao, Philippines, on May 17, 1942, as the eldest of fifteen children and firstborn son to Benjamin Lao and Marcelina Lim. His parents always stressed the value of education.

Dr. Antonio Lao graduated from Holy Cross High School in Davao, Philippines, and went on to receive his doctorate of medicine at the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center where he graduated with honors. He became the pride and joy of his family.

In college, he met his future wife, Luz Penalosa. He was a karate instructor, and she was his student. He took her fishing for their first date. On October 19, 1965, Dr. Antonio and Luz united in marriage. They loved each other fiercely for 56 years until the time of his passing.

In 1971, the Laos took a leap of faith and left the Philippines for a new life in the United States of America. He completed his medical internship and residency at St. Peter’s University Hospital in Albany, New York and specialized in internal medicine. For his first job as a physician, he moved his family to Superior, Wisconsin, which became his lifelong home. He served the local community as an internal medicine doctor for Superior Clinic for over 30 years.

Dr. Lao was a member of the American Medical Association, Cathedral of Christ the King Church, The Phil-Am (Filipino-American) Arrowhead Association and founded the Karate Club at the University of the East in the Philippines. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, and raising game birds. Dr. Lao was very adept at origami, the art of paper folding. He was also talented at basket weaving and woodworking.

Dr. Lao is survived by his beloved wife, Luz Lao; daughters, Dr. Maria Lao of Pella Iowa, and Dr. Anna (David) Carley of Las Vegas; son Michael Lao of Superior, WI; grandchildren, Cole Carley, Antony Adolfson, Jade Carley, Nicolas Adolfson, and Joshua Adolfson; sisters Mila (Weni) Gorrez, Carmen (Sam) Masci, Julie (Diosdado) Silva, Teresita (Kevin) Bushey, Virginia (Ron) Taylor, and Gina Lao; brothers, Edwardo Lao, Delfino Lao, Renato (Annie) Lao, Samuel Lao and Hernando (Alma) Lao; and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; infant twin sisters, Marilyn and Merly Lao; childhood brother, Julito Lao.

Visitation will begin at 4:00 to 6:00 PM, Friday, June 17, 2022, at Downs-LeSage Funeral Home, 1304 Hammond Avenue, Superior, WI; with a Catholic Rosary at 6:00 PM. Visitation will resume, Saturday, June 18, 2022, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Cathedral of Christ the King Catholic Church, 1111 Belknap Street, Superior, WI, and will continue with a noon Memorial Mass of Christian Burial with Rev. Fr. Andrew Ricci officiating. Luncheon immediately to follow in the Cathedral Church Hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cathedral School, 1419 Baxter Ave, Superior Wisconsin, or to the Society of St. Vincent De Paul, 1416 Cumming Ave, Superior WI; in remembrance of Dr. Antonio Lao.

The Downs-LeSage Funeral Home, 1304 Hammond Avenue, Superior, WI, is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave a condolence or sign the guestbook, please visit  www.downs-lesage.com.