Mr. Gordon A. Laabs, 91, passed away on February 23, 2011 at Beloit Memorial Hospital. He was born
on Jan. 18, 1920, son of Harry and Effie Laabs in Lanark, Wisconsin, Portage County. He married Nina G. Ewald on June 8, 1946 at Waupaca, Wis. They were blest with 64 1/2 years of marriage. Gordon attended schools in Oshkosh, Wis. He later graduated from Amherst Wis. High
School. In August 1942 he enlisted in the Army and proudly served his country during World War II in General Patton's 3rd Army. He received his Honorable discharge in Dec. 1945. After their marriage, they moved to Beloit, Wis. where he was employed at the Besley-Welles factory until he retired in 1983. Gordon was a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Beloit. He was an avid Green Bay Packers fan, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. And his hobby was baking and cooking. After he retired Gordon and Nina enjoyed traveling. Gordon is survived by his wife, Nina; daughter Sharon (Loren) Vanderkooi-Clinton, Wis; son Richard (Celeste) Laabs - Portage, Wis; Grandsons: Mark (Emelda) Vanderkooi - Beloit, Wis, Scott (Jen) Vanderkooi-Janesville, Wis, Randy (Kristin) Vanderkooi - Janesville, Wis, and Erich (Kimberly) Laabs- Tomahawk, Wis. Eight great grandchildren: Alanis, Allison, Hailey, Brianna, Kyle, Drake, Gemma, Ruby and 2 more expected this summer. He is also survived by his sister Alice Yenter - Rosholt, Wis, sister-in-law Mary Ellen Laabs - Wild Rose, Wis, sister-in-law Mary Jane Laabs - Wautoma, Wis, sister-in-law Dorie Ewald, Waupaca, Wis. Cousin Jane Krause - Oshkosh, Wis. Also many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one grandson Ahren Laabs. His brothers Harold, John and Donald. One sister Lois Hedbany. Also brother and sisters-in-law, mother and father-in-law. Services were March 1 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Beloit. Pastor Erik Jelinik officiating. Visitation was at the church from 11:00 until time of service at 12:00. Burial was in Eastlawn Cemetery with full Military Honors. Rosman,Uehling,Kinzer Funeral Home and Cremation Services is serving the family. Online condolences may be sent to rukfuneralhome.com.
Gordon was a very devoted husband, father, Grandfather and great Grandfather, and will be greatly missed by all.
Rest in peace, Gordon, we'll all be together in God's Home someday.
Special thanks to Premier Rehab and Nursing Home for the wonderful care given to Gordon for 2 1/2 years. Also special thanks to Dr. Leo and the staff at Beloit Hospital.