Arlyss F. Laabs

Laabs, Arlyss F.
Appleton

Arlyss Fischer Laabs died peacefully on Wednesday, April 12, 2006, at home with her family at her side after a courageous, three year battle with cancer. Arlyss was born August 11, 1920 to Mary (Heraly) and Edward Fischer in Racine, Wis. Her family moved to Menominee, Mich. in 1922 where she graduated from Menominee High School.

Arlyss worked in the Marinette County Court system, Wisconsin Conservation Department, and Marinette Area Chamber of Commerce. In 1962, she moved to Port Washington, Wis. and joined EST Company (Division of Leggett & Platt) where she retired as manager of human resources after 30 years of service. In 1973, Arlyss moved to Grafton where she served on the village Police and Fire Commission and held leadership positions in the Grafton Chamber of Commerce. In 1984 she was chosen Grafton Citizen of the Year. Following her retirement from the EST Company, Arlyss earned her license to sell real estate and affiliated with Schmit Realty in Grafton. She retired from active real estate sales in 2004. Arlyss moved to Appleton in 2005.

Arlyss is survived by her sons, James Laabs (Louise Horman), Madison; and Dr. John Laabs (Scott Kranzusch), Hortonville. She is further survived by granddaughters, Atty. Audra (Bill) Williams, Minneapolis; Carrie Laabs, Orlando, Fla. and Courtney Laabs (Tyler Wernsing), Minneapolis; and Taylor Kranzusch, Hortonville; by grandsons, Dr. Benjamin Laabs (Nancy Mahlen), St. Peter, Minn. and Nathan Laabs (Tekla Scearcy), St. Paul, Minn; by great-grandson, Quinn Williams; and by “little sister,” Kerilynn (Aaron) Frey, Newport Penn. She is also survived by many close and loyal friends and former work colleagues.

Arlyss was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Eunice Johnson, and her brother-in-law, Clifford Johnson.

A memorial service for Arlyss will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 29, 2006, at FIRST CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, 724 East South River Street, Appleton, with Rev. Jane Anderson officiating. Inurnment will be in Riverside Cemetery, Menominee, Mich.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. Saturday until the time of services directly at the church. Memorials in Arlyss’ name may be sent to the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Ozaukee County, 885 Badger Circle, Grafton, WI, 53024.

Her family wishes to express their appreciation for the kindness and care given tirelessly to Arlyss during her illness by: Anthony Phillips, MD; Charles Cheng, MD; the staff of the Siekman Center; Barbara Towne, RN and her team at Touchmark in Appleton; and Affinity Hospice Staff. Special appreciation is extended to Judy Benson and Marji and Bob Hovat for their years of loyal friendship and their frequent visits with Arlyss after she moved to Appleton.

WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME
TRI-COUNTY CHAPEL
3212 South Oneida Street
Menasha 920-831-9905
www.wichmannfuneralhomes.com