Service Information
Wilbert “Bert” Laabs, age 69, of Gaylord passed away Thursday, January 16, 2020, at River’s Edge Hospital in St. Peter, Minnesota.
Memorial Service will be Monday, January 20, 2020, 11:00 A.M. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Gaylord.
Gathering of Family and Friends will be Sunday, January 19, 2020, from 4:00 P.M.-7:00 P.M. at Egesdal Funeral Home in Gaylord and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.
Military Honors by the Manthey-Asmus American Legion Post #433.
Obituary
Wilbert “Bert” Clarence Laabs was born on April 19, 1950, in Gaylord, Minnesota. He was the son of Clarence and Ruth (Nieland) Laabs. Bert was baptized as an infant at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Arlington, and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth there. He received his education in Arlington and was a graduate of the Arlington-Green Isle High School Class of 1968. He grew up on the farm and was a hard worker.
In 1968, Bert entered active military service and served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. He was stationed in Korea. Bert received his Honorable Discharge in 1972.
In 1979, Bert was united in marriage to Jeanne Kehoe. After their marriage, the couple resided in Waconia and Arlington. They were blessed with two children, Michael and Kari.
On October 1, 2005, Bert was united in marriage to Connie Thaemert at West Union Lutheran Church, Cologne, Minnesota. After their marriage, the couple resided in Waconia and later in Gaylord. The marriage added three children to his life. He was employed as a supervisor at Bongards Creamery and was very supportive of his wife’s restaurant. He was a member of the Manthey-Asmus American Legion Post #433 in Gaylord.
Bert was a very kind, helpful and patient man who loved to laugh and could fix anything. He loved spending time with his grandchildren who brought much joy to his life. He enjoyed old comedies, especially Laurel and Hardy. He easily created life-long friendships with his easy-going and fun-loving personality.
In 2014, Bert was diagnosed with Renal Cancer and fought a courageous battle. He passed away Thursday, January 16, 2020, at River’s Edge Hospital in St. Peter, Minnesota, at the age of 69 years. Blessed be his memory.
Bert is survived by his:
Wife: Connie Thaemert-Laabs of Gaylord, MN;
Children: Erin Amdahl and her husband, Joel of Mankato, MN;
Trude Yarger and her husband, Johnathan of Waconia, MN;
Alex Ditsch of Norwood Young America, MN;
Kari Laabs of Orlando, FL;
Michael Laabs of Waconia, MN;
Grandchildren: Jacob Yarger, Jamison Amdahl, Brooke Strain, and Harvey Yarger;
Sisters: Annette Paajanen and her husband, George of Brooklyn Park, MN, and Ruby Nagel and her husband, Joe of Henderson, MN;
Sister-in-law: Renee Stien and her husband, Wade of Sauk Centre, MN;
Many Nieces, Nephews, other relatives and friends.
Bert was preceded in death by his Parents, Clarence and Ruth Laabs; Brother, Waldo Laabs; and Stillborn Twin Sisters.
Twurp says
He will be truly missed
Diane Alsleben says
So sorry to hear about Bert. Our prayers are with your family. He is probably already playing sheepshead or five hundred with his parents and Waldo.
Leon and Diane Alsleben
Bob Bliss says
Much love to the entire Laabs family. Bert was definitely one of a kind and will be greatly missed.
Bob Bliss
Chaska MN
Susan Roach says
Larry & I are sending our condolences to the Laabs family. I’m glad we got to know Bert a little bit – he had a great personality and a smile to remember! Take good care of yourself Connie.
Peter Trocke says
Bert and the Laabs family were great farm neighbors. Heartfelt sympathy to all Bert’s family at this difficult time.
Dave Fuglsang says
So sorry for your loss I worked with Bert many years at Bongards.I have to work 6:00am to 6:00pm Sunday and Monday so I wont make it to the Visitation or Funeral but want you to know I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers,Dave Fuglsang
Jan Heldberg says
Lots of Hugs to the Entire Laabs Family. Wilbert was so kind and loved people. The beautiful memories will get you through this sad time. God took him home for a reason. Love and Prayers to you
JanBullert Heldberg
Dave Fuglsang says
I am so sorry for your loss.I worked with Bert many years at Bongards.I can’t come to the Visitation or Funeral because I am working 6am-6pm Sunday and Monday but want you to know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kris Glaeser says
Pete and I are thinking of you and send our condolences. May you find comfort in your memories.
Lila M Schoelkoph says
Connie,
We are so sorry to hear the passing of Bert! He was one kind man. He is with his beloved family laughing, playing cards and having a beer.
Lila and Lyle
Keith Doetkott says
Prayers to the families Great friendly man
Marsha Bade Keuseman says
So sorry to hear about Bert’s passing, praying for the Laab’s family
Lei Amorim says
My sincere sympathies to Connie and Bert’s entire family. May the cherished memories be of comfort during this difficult time and into the future. God’s blessing during this most difficult time…and always.
Diane Dietz says
Deepest Sympathy to Connie and family. Bert was such a nice kind person.
Dan Nagel says
Bert Laabs was one of the most Friendly,Trustworthy and Reliable guys I have known…..
If you were shopping for Friends you would pick this Guy FIRST……Yes indeed.. he is now
seated @ one of the Head Tables I am sure…….My sympathies to his Family & Friends.
Dan Nagel