Foster Michael Laucks

YORK- Foster Michael Laucks, 86, passed away peacefully on April 11, 2026 at St. Anne's Skilled Nursing, Columbia, PA where he resided for the past year. Foster Michael Laucks was born in York on September 27, 1939, to Foster Martin Laucks and Carrie Miller Laucks. He is survived by his devoted wife and best friend of 63 years, Nora, and their daughter, Elizabeth Laucks of Baltimore, MD.

Mike graduated from Red Lion High School in 1957, then went on to earn a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Lehigh University (where he was a fraternity member of Chi Phi) in 1961 and a master's degree in business administration from Temple University in 1970. He dedicated his career to serving as an engineer and executive with several companies in the industrial refrigeration industry. He began his career at York International and continued as vice president of engineering at Frick Co. in Waynesboro, PA. Mike retired as vice president of engineering at GEA Refrigeration in 2006. Mike played a key role in the development of alternative, safer refrigerants and served as a former president for IIAR (The International Institute of All-Natural Refrigeration), the leading organization championing these advancements.

Mike cherished his family above all and was known as a generous, loving husband and father. He was deeply respected and admired by colleagues and friends alike. Though his dedication to work was well known, Mike's passions extended far beyond his profession. He traveled internationally with his wife, biked the York County Heritage Trail, embarked on home improvement projects, enjoyed listening to big band and jazz music and was an avid reader. He relished weekends at his hunting cabin with childhood friends, cherished time with family at their Ocean City, Maryland summer home, and spent the winter months in St. Petersburg, Florida with his wife following his retirement.

Olewiler and Heffner Funeral Chapel, 35 Gotham Place, Red Lion is in charge of private funeral arrangements.