Bernie Laabs Estherville, Iowa Obituary

Bernie Laabs

Bernie Walter Laabs the son of Wilfred and Dorothy (Bishop) Laabs was born August 29, 1941 in Fenton, Iowa. He died on Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at the Valley Vue Care Center in Armstrong, Iowa at the age of 75.<br><br> He received his education and graduated from Sentral of Fenton High School. He then attended Gale Institute for Graphic Arts.<br><br> On May 1, 1965 he was united in marriage to Sandy Gilman in Fairmont, Minnesota. The couple made their home in Armstrong and Bernie was employed with Arts Way Manufacturing until he retired in 1991. He also owned and operated Bernie’s Tree Service that he started in the early 1970’s. After retirement, he worked for area farmers and also helped out at Pitch Lawn Service. For hobbies, he enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting and golfing.<br><br> He was a member of Nazareth Lutheran Church where he served on various church boards and the Armstrong Betterment Club. He also served on the Armstrong City Council.<br><br> Left to cherish Bernie's memory are his wife, Sandy of Armstrong; children, Brenda Carrigan and her husband, Scott of Emmetsburg, Iowa; Julie Mabus and her husband, Bill of Lakota, Iowa; Kevin Laabs and his wife, Tara of Armstrong; eight grandchildren, Kody (Brenda) Carrigan; Danielle Carrigan; Chelsey (Luke) Huber; Desiree Jorgensen; Dustin Jorgensen; Adreana Laabs; Avery Laabs; Kaden Laabs; three great grandchildren, Raegan Huber, Brody Carrigan and Liliana Laabs; brothers, Jim Laabs and his wife, Gladys of Alexandria, South Dakota; Dennis Laabs and his wife, Janet of Jackson, Minnesota; and sister, Fern Fries and her husband, Tom of Emmetsburg. He has been preceded in death by his parents and great grandsons, Kolton and Kyler Carrigan.<br><br> In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Nazareth Lutheran Church or the Alzheimer’s Association.<br>
August 29, 1941 - January 3, 201708/29/194101/03/2017
Share Obituary:

Share a memory

Add to your memory
Photos/Video
Candle
Mementos

Obituary

Bernie Walter Laabs the son of Wilfred and Dorothy (Bishop) Laabs was born August 29, 1941 in Fenton, Iowa. He died on Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at the Valley Vue Care Center in Armstrong, Iowa at the age of 75.

He received his education and graduated from Sentral of Fenton High School. He then attended Gale Institute for Graphic Arts.

On May 1, 1965 he was united in marriage to Sandy Gilman in Fairmont, Minnesota. The couple made their home in Armstrong and Bernie was employed with Arts Way Manufacturing until he retired in 1991. He also owned and operated Bernie’s Tree Service that he started in the early 1970’s. After retirement, he worked for area farmers and also helped out at Pitch Lawn Service. For hobbies, he enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting and golfing.

He was a member of Nazareth Lutheran Church where he served on various church boards and the Armstrong Betterment Club. He also served on the Armstrong City Council.

Left to cherish Bernie's memory are his wife, Sandy of Armstrong; children, Brenda Carrigan and her husband, Scott of Emmetsburg, Iowa; Julie Mabus and her husband, Bill of Lakota, Iowa; Kevin Laabs and his wife, Tara of Armstrong; eight grandchildren, Kody (Brenda) Carrigan; Danielle Carrigan; Chelsey (Luke) Huber; Desiree Jorgensen; Dustin Jorgensen; Adreana Laabs; Avery Laabs; Kaden Laabs; three great grandchildren, Raegan Huber, Brody Carrigan and Liliana Laabs; brothers, Jim Laabs and his wife, Gladys of Alexandria, South Dakota; Dennis Laabs and his wife, Janet of Jackson, Minnesota; and sister, Fern Fries and her husband, Tom of Emmetsburg. He has been preceded in death by his parents and great grandsons, Kolton and Kyler Carrigan.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Nazareth Lutheran Church or the Alzheimer’s Association.

To plant a tree in memory of Bernie Laabs, please visit our Tribute Store.

Events

Jan
05
Visitation
Thursday, January 05 2017
05:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Nazareth Lutheran Church
401 5th St.
ARMSTRONG, IA 50514
Get Directions
View MapTextEmail
Jan
06
Service
Friday, January 06 2017
11:00 AM
Nazareth Lutheran Church
401 5th St.
ARMSTRONG, IA 50514
Get Directions
View MapTextEmail