John Laabs Sr.

John F. Laabs, Sr., 77, of Tomahawk, passed away on Thursday, June 8, 2023, at Legacy of the Northwoods Memory Care Center in Eagle River.

John was born February 4, 1946, in Marshfield to Bernard “Ben” and Florene (Hutt) Laabs.

John graduated from Abbotsford High School in 1964 and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1969. He married Joan Roth on May 14, 1966. He had a career as a claims adjuster, and later as a sales representative for Wausau Insurance in the Milwaukee Regional Office.

He was a long-time baseball umpire and football referee in the Milwaukee area and served as president of the Wisconsin Umpires Association.

For over 30 years, John and his wife greatly enjoyed their former lake home at Long Lake in Waushara County. John also greatly enjoyed over 20 years of hunting and working on his rural land in Owen.

John and his wife, Joan, enjoyed tandem biking and served for many years as co-presidents of Couples on Wheels Tandem Bike Club of Wisconsin. They also enjoyed cross-country skiing in winter and vacationing in Orange Beach, Ala.

John is survived by his wife; one son, John Laabs, Jr. of Appleton, and one granddaughter, Kelsey Laabs of New York City.

He was preceded in death by his only brother, Bernard “Bernie” Laabs.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date at the Laabs family gravesite at Abbotsford Cemetery.

Memorials are appreciated to Compassus Hospice or Camp Victory-Laabs Family Memorial.

Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com.

Paid obituary 138054