Richard P. Laberee

Richard P. "Dick" Laberee, age 84 of Menomonie, WI died Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at his home, after a two year struggle with Pulmonary Fibrosis..

He was born June 17, 1927 in Menomonie, WI to Hallie & Lenore (Johnson) Laberee. Dick grew up on the family farm north of Boyceville, attended Pleasant Hill Grade School and Boyceville High School. He joined the U.S. Navy in January of 1945 and celebrated his 18th birthday aboard The USS James C. Owens, in the South Pacific. After his discharge in 1946, he returned to work on the family farm.

Dick married Arlyes Carol Stene on October 23, 1948 at The Little Brown Church in Iowa. They moved to Menomonie in 1954 and Dick worked at Lakeside Aluminum. He started his trucking career at WW Dray Line in Menomonie, co-owned Arrow Transit, worked for Briggs Transportation in Eau Claire and John Dotseth Trucking of Menomonie.

He was a member of Christ Lutheran Church where he served on Church Council, ushered and was a liturgist. Dick was devoted to the care of his son Paul, following Paul's accident in 1979. He was an avid Packer and Brewers fan, enjoyed tractor pulls, playing horseshoes, shooting pool and woodworking.. He was an excellent judge of cattle and loved spring field work and fall harvest.

Dick is survived by his four sons, LaVern (Jolene) of Glenwood City, Colin (Lori) of Cable, Neil (Kim) of Menomonie and Paul of Menomonie; his special friend Betty Schlough; six grandchildren, Jessica (Ryan) Patt, Jonathan, Susan, Jason (Kristen), Rachael and Adam; two step-grandchildren, Missy White and Spring Doornick; fifteen great-grandchildren; one sister, Patricia (Robert) Schrader; two brothers, David of Boyceville and William of Cottage Grove, MN; sister-in-law, Janet (Dick) Krampert and brother-in-law, Curtis (Darla) Stene; sisters-in-law, Ruth Stene and Bobbi Stene; also nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Hallie and Lenore Laberee; his wife, Arlyes (Jan. 26, 1989); an infant son, Donald; father and mother-in-law, Alfred and Alma Stene; and brothers-in –law, Darrel, Alfred Jr. and Hugh Stene.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 10, 2012 at Christ Lutheran Church in Menomonie with Pastor Geoff Scott officiating. Military honors will be conducted by Menomonie Veterans Honor Guard following the service. There will be visitation will be from 4 – 7 p.m. on Friday, March 9, 2012 at Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie and at the church one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Burial will be in Tiffany Cemetery in Boyceville at a later date.

Olson Funeral Home of Menomonie is serving the family.