Gary Laabs

March 30, 1945 - January 2, 2023

Obituary for Gary Laabs

"A Good Guy”

Gary Lee Laabs, age 77, of Brooklyn Park, MN passed away on January 2nd, 2023, with his wife and family by his side.

Gary was born on March 30, 1945, to Leo and Alice Laabs in Montevideo, MN.

After Gary graduated from Hopkins High school in 1963, Gary served in the US Army and was stationed in Berlin, Germany 1965- 1967. After his Military service Gary achieved his completion of Apprenticeship in Carpentry in Minnetonka, Minnesota in 1971. As a certified Journeyman Carpenter Gary started his career at McNulty Construction, kickstarting a thirty five year career in Homes and Commercial Construction.

Gary retired in 2006 as Construction Superintendent, with The Bainey Construction Group INC.

In 1967, Gary came home from his military service and shortly after met Margie at Minnetonka Community Church. They were married August 24, 1968. Together Gary and Margie parented and raised four children, Tom, Jeff, Michelle, and Holly.

One of Gary’s greatest pleasures in his life was being a Father. Not only a father to his four children but spent time volunteering with Boys Brigade (BB). A group whose purpose is “the advancement of Christ’s kingdom among boys and promotion of good habits.” Gary loved helping the next generations learn about nature and explore the ways and teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Gary built his family homes in Eden Prairie and Corcoran Minnesota. He and Margie filled their home with the love and the teachings of Jesus. Gary introduced his four children to sports coaching their T-ball and baseball teams. During the fleeting Minnesota summers Gary could be found with his family camping in one of our state parks and spending our cold dark winters on a snowmobile.

Gary was a ringer in Horseshoes leading his team to multiple championships. After retirement Gary spent his time meticulously restoring his red 1970 MG and showed cars with MG Minnesota club. Gary looked forward to watching car races with his sons at the RaceWay Park. Gary loved nature. More recently Gary enjoyed traveling to Denver to visit his granddaughters and continued his craft of carpentry building creative birdhouses for friends and family.

Parents Leo and Alice Laabs preceded Gary in death, as well as his brother-in-law, Duayne Larson. Gary is survived by Wife Marjorie, Sons Thomas Laabs, wife Elizabeth of St. Louis Park, and Jeffrey Laabs fiancé Ivory Carlson of Minneapolis. Daughters Michelle Laabs of Brooklyn Park, and Holly Kekkonen, Husband Drew. Granddaughters Zenna and Marvelle Kekkonen of Denver, Colorado. Sister Ardy Bircher of Columbia Heights. Gary is joined with oldest sister Dee Brix of Otsego in her recent passing.

Celebration of life Service 11 AM on Saturday January 14, 2023, at MapleRidge Church, 13400 Maple Knoll Way, Maple Grove, with visitation 1 hour before service.

Visitation

Saturday, January 14th
10AM

MapleRidge Church
13400 Maple Knoll Way
Maple Grove, MN

Driving Directions

Celebration of Life Service

Saturday, January 14th
11AM

MapleRidge Church
13400 Maple Knoll Way
Maple Grove, MN

Driving Directions

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