Duane Laabs

Duane 'Duke' Laabs, age 61, 602 Kaphaem Road, Tomahawk, died unexpectedly February 17, 2013 at Ministry Sacred Heart Hospital in Tomahawk. Duke was born October 28, 1951 in Merrill, the son of Norman and Marie (Walenczyk) Laabs. He married Darlene Durkee on July 18, 2009 in Tomahawk. Duke was employed with Ward Paper Mill and James River, and also farmed in the Merrill area. He loved his church, and enjoyed hunting, fishing, singing, dancing, and was an avid Elvis Presley fan. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, and a member of the Northwoods Vineyard Church in Tomahawk. Survivors include: Wife Darlene Laabs Tomahawk Children Isaac (Adonica) Laabs Merrill Mathew (Autumn) Laabs Merrill Paula (Paul) Ciegelski Merrill Step Children Michelle Durkee Tomahawk Brenda (Jeff) Wozniak Wausau Brothers Tim Wenzlick Tomahawk Rick (Mary) Laabs Merrill Ken (Penny) Wenzlick Merrill Sisters Tammy (Robert) McCaulley Georgia Jean (Leroy) Seehafer Weston Duke is further survived by 11 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, step-father, and 3 brothers. Funeral Service with military rites for Duke Laabs will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 22, 2013 at Northwoods Vineyard Church in Tomahawk. Pastor Ross Nelson will officiate. The family will receive friends at the Krueger Family Funeral Home on Thursday, February 21st from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church on Friday from 9:00 a.m. until the hour of services at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be in the spring at Greenwood Cemetery in Tomahawk.