Obit: Laabs, Martha S. (1920 - 2011)

Contact: Stan

Email: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Laabs, Bjergaard, Hermansen

----Source: Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, WI) 05/13/2011

Laabs, Martha S. (5 JAN 1920 - 11 MAY 2011)

CURTISS/BLACK RIVER FALLS -- Martha S. Laabs, 91, of Black River Falls and formerly of Curtiss, died Wednesday, May 11, 2011, at the Pine View Care Center in Black River Falls.

Martha was born Jan. 5, 1920, in Curtiss, to Marcus and Serine (Bjergaard) Hermansen. She grew up in Curtiss, and graduated in 1937 from Owen High School. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls in 1939, UW-La Crosse in 1964, and received her master's degree from UW-Stevens Point in 1973.

She married Harold W. Laabs on Dec. 26, 1939, in Curtiss. He preceded his wife in death May 31, 1966.

Martha taught school for 30 years in Loyal, Curtiss, Tomah and Marshfield. She was a reading specialist. She retired in 1985.

She moved to Black River Falls on Feb. 17, 2001.

Martha was "Queen of the Dairyland" on Aug. 31, 1937. She was a past member of Faith Lutheran Church in Marshfield. She was a member of the Black River Falls Evangelical Lutheran Church, Beta Sigma Phi, Delta Kappa Gamma, and Phi Delta Kappa, Professional Education Organization, and the Sons of Norway.

Surviving are her son Gerald (Nancy) Laabs, Black River Falls; two grandsons, Marc and Jay (Katherine) Laabs, both of Chicago; one great-granddaughter, Elizabeth Ann Laabs; and a daughter-in-law, Barbara Laabs.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her son Harold W. Laabs Jr.; and two brothers, Henry and Arve Hermansen.

Graveside funeral services for Martha S. Laabs will be at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, May 15, 2011, at the Curtiss Norwegian Cemetery, Curtiss. Pastor Kris Bjerke Ullman will conduct services.

The family prefers memorials be given to either the Evangelical Lutheran Church Sunday School Program or to the Black River Falls Educational Enrichment Fund.

Relatives and friends may call from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Torgerson's Funeral Home, 408 N. Water St., Black River Falls (715-284-4321).