Virgil Andrew Laabs

Virgil A. Laabs, age 80, of Kandiyohi, passed away Thursday, January 8, at CentraCare Rice Memorial Hospital.

Arrangements are pending with Peterson Brothers Funeral Home. www.petersonbrothers.com

Virgil Andrew Laabs was born on June 21, 1945, in Hector, Minnesota, the son of Harry and Floretta (Forcier) Laabs. He grew up in Buffalo Lake and in 1951, the family moved to Grove City. He graduated from Grove City High School in 1964 and was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam. On December 14, 1968, Virgil was united in marriage to Joyce Carol Kaderabek. They lived in the communities of Atwater, Eden Valley, Hector, Grove City, and Kandiyohi. Virgil was engaged in farming prior to being self-employed as a heavy equipment operator and truck driver. Virgil enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and canning vegetables.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce of Kandiyohi; one daughter, Denise (and Scott) Kingery of Sartell; a son-in-law, Dan Johnson of Andover; four grandchildren, Alex, Kolten, Mileigh and Tristen; two sisters, Darlene Anderson of Paynesville and Phyllis (and John) Reuckert of Sioux Falls, SD.; and two brothers, Victor (and Rita) Laabs of Backus and David (and Barb) Laabs of Grove City, besides other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Kathy in 2018.