(262) 653-0667
3016 75th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142
Richard “Dick” R. Laba, 75 of Kenosha WI passed away on November 15th, 2023, after a short battle with cancer at Hospice Alliance Hospice House in Pleasant Prairie WI. He was born on November 3rd, 1948, to Joseph and Mary Laba (Jakubowicz) in Kenosha WI. He attended Kenosha schools graduating from Bradford in 1967 and Carthage in 1971.
Dick was a gifted athlete excelling in football, basketball, baseball, and softball. At Bradford he had 7 letters in football, basketball, and baseball. At Carthage he was all CCIW selection for football four years in a row, a rare accomplishment. He earned 4 letters in football. He holds the career interception record of 28. Dick coached defensive backs in 1982. On the baseball diamond, he earned 3 letters and played on 2 championship teams.
He played professional softball for the Milwaukee Schlitz from 1979 to 1982. They won 3 world championships, and he was MVP in the world series game in 1982.
He was charter member of 4 hall of fames: Kenosha Unified, Carthage, Old Timers Baseball, and Rotary Softball.
Dick was an outstanding player in local recreational sports for many years playing for Finney’s and Tirabassi’s among several others.
He played QB and DB for the Racine Raiders from 1971 to 1978.
He taught middle school physical education in Racine for 33 years, retiring in 2004.
Dick enjoyed golfing and was proud of his 3 holes in one.
Dick is survived by his long-time partner Karen Strangberg, siblings, Joan Zavasky, Joe (Char) Laba, Judy (Steve) Reuter, and Bill Laba, his niece Jackie Dayen, and nephews, Jason Reuter, Mike Reuter, and Todd Laba.
He is preceded in death by both his parents and his brother Tom Laba.
As per Dicks wishes there will be no funeral. Memorials are suggested to Hospice Alliance (10220 Prairie Ridge Blvd. Pleasant Prairie WI 53158) for the special care that they provided.
Casey Family Options Funerals and Cremations
(262) 653-0667
www.CaseyFamilyOptions.com
Mon - Fri: 8AM - 4PM
(262) 653-0667
3016 75th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142
Julie Jacob says:
DIck was a beloved part of our family. From the time Karen brought him to the first family event, he fit right in. He was a great guy who was always glad to see others and was truly interested in how they were doing. I remember he would always make a point of complimenting my mom on her cooking and thanking her for hosting the family event. He was very kind to my dad. He was a good man who will be very much missed.
Jim Schweitzer says:
Dick was an exceptional athlete and leader. Even though he was a year younger than my class we followed his lead on the field and on the court. On top of that he was a decent guy. Class of ’67 you have lost one of your best.
Andy Vinnes says:
I’d like to think that Laba and Pins are playing cribbage in heaven, arguing about who was the better athlete over a cold tap beer. RIP sir.
Karl Atanasoff says:
We had an awful lot of fun on our Packer trips you will be missed greatly !!
Jerry Matuszek says:
We had a lot of good times in college. Alot of fraternity partying. Being a Phy. Ed. major also we had quite a few classes together.
We both taught over 30 years, so we must have liked teaching.
Maybe it was the summers off.
I cherish the memories.
RIP 🙏 Labs
Bill Heinkel says:
From opponents in high school to teammates in college, what a great player, leader, and teammate! Thanks for many great athletic memories in football and baseball! God’s Blessings!
Pam Conner says:
From the moment, Karen introduced Dick to our family, he became part of it. He was awesome in sports, but more important he was awesome in life. Our family will truly miss you.