DAVID THOMAS LABERREE
David Thomas Laberee, 83, Boyceville, died February 8, 2015, at Glenhaven in Glenwood City after a brief bout with cancer.
David was born on January 8, 1932, to Hallie & Lenore (Johnson) Laberee of Boyceville. He grew up on the family farm north of Boyceville with siblings Dick, Pat and Bill and attended Pleasant Hill Grade School and Boyceville High School. Dave enlisted in the Air Force at age 18 and retired with almost 22 years of military service as an Inventory Management Supervisor. Dave was stationed for nine of his service years at overseas Air Force bases in Guam, France, Greenland and Vietnam. After retirement as an Air Force Staff Sergeant in 1970, he lived briefly in Illinois and then returned to Boyceville. In 1981 he married Ardythe (Stansbury) Myers of Boyceville. Dave’s retirement was spent doing painting at Kadinger’s and other places, plus he loved gardening. He took pride in his meticulous garden and many friends enjoyed the fruits of his labor.
While in elementary school, Dave met Andy Pafko and became an avid fan for life. Dave toiled many hours assisting in getting Andy Pafko Day recognized in Boyceville via the park dedication, autograph signing, book signings, and spending many hours on the phone with Andy doing research and background. Dave enjoyed getting Andy the recognition that he felt Andy deserved. Dave remained in contact with the Pafko family following Andy’s death in 2013. Dave was an avid baseball fan and friends delighted in ribbing him about being a Cubs fan. His collection of Andy memorabilia was well known and proudly displayed at several businesses throughout town.
David was preceded in death by his parents Hallie & Lenore, his wife of 27 years Ardythe in February 2008, sister-in-law Arlys Laberee in January 1989, step-daughter Roberta Mounce of Boyceville in May 2007, brother Richard Laberee of Menomonie in March 2012, and sister Ruth “Pat” (Bob) Schrader of Menomonie in August 2012. Also preceeding him were in-laws Goldean Ybanez of Denver Colorado, Bill Stansbury of Ladysmith and Arlyss Engebretson (Ardythe’s twin sister) of Clear Lake.
Dave is survived by stepchildren Teresa (Keith) Geurkink of Colfax, step son-in-law Dale Mounce of Boyceville, and Jo Palmer of Boyceville. Step-grandchildren surviving Dave are Brett Swenson of Park Falls, Bobbie (Jim) Turco of Chicago; Tom Mounce of Boyceville; Pam Mounce of Boyceville; Joe Stai (Jane Blount) of Wausau, and Kerry (Adrianne) Stai of Watertown, and 8 step-great grandchildren. He is further survived by his brother Bill Laberee of Arizona, along with many nieces and nephews. Dave is also survived by in-laws Betty (Lee) Dole of Phoeniz, AZ; Doreen Wisdorf of Cottage Grove, MN, and Ann (Al) Jorgenson of Balsam Lake. Dave took special care of his beloved companion cats, Bella and Roxie.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, February 11, 2015, at Anderson Funeral Home in Glenwood City from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. An informal lunch and remembrance will be held at Leaker’s (Bowling Alley) in Glenwood City following visitation. Interment will be at Fort Snelling Veterans Cemetery with military honors on Thursday, February 12, 2015 at 11 a.m.