Colin “Joe” Laberee, age 73, of Cable, WI passed away on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at Essentia Health-St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth, MN after respiratory complications following a several year struggle with pulmonary fibrosis

Colin Richard Laberee was born March 25, 1950, in Glenwood City, WI the son of Richard and Aryles (Stene) Laberee. Joe was raised on the family farm in Boyceville, WI until early childhood when the family moved to Menomonie, WI. Joe graduated from Menomonie High School, then briefly attended the University of Wisconsin-Stout. He began his career as a laborer, traveling throughout Wisconsin before starting at Chequamegon Telephone Company (Norvado), working as a residential engineer for over 30 years before retiring in 2006. He continued to do consulting for Tjader & Highstrom as well as Finley Engineering until 2012.

On June 18, 1983, he was united in marriage to Lorraine Spears at First Lutheran Church in Hayward, WI. Together they built their life in Cable where he enjoyed coffee at the local café, car shows with his Corvette, riding snowmobile, shooting billiards and trap. He was an active member of the community serving the Cable Area Lions Club for over 35 years helping prepare the St. Patty’s Day dinner, Fourth of July celebration and delivering Meals on Wheels. Joe and Lori attended First Lutheran Church in Hayward for 41 years where he ushered and served two terms on the church board. He loved helping his brother on the farm with spring fieldwork and fall harvest, he enjoyed fishing trips to Canada, time at the hunting camp and NASCAR races. More than anything, he loved his family, taking several trips across the United States when his children were growing, visiting relatives near and far, annual spring break trips and most of all the delight of his grandkids.

Colin is survived by his wife Lori of 40 years; two children, Rachael of New Glarus, WI, Adam of Cable; three grandchildren, Benjamin, Alice and Annabelle; two brothers, Laverne (Jolene) of Glenwood City, Neil (Kim) of Menomonie; mother-in-law, Willa Spears of Drummond; two sisters-in-law, Glenna Spears of St. Cloud, FL, Kathleen Paulson of Sheboygan; brother-in-law, Wade (Mary Ann) Spears of Drummond; many nieces, nephews, cousins and aunts Janet, Darla, Lorraine and Ellen.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Paul and Donald; and his father-in-law, Glenn Spears.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 10th, 2024, at First Lutheran Church in Hayward with Pastor Joel Bacon officiating. A visitation will be held beforehand from 10:00 – 11:00. A time of gathering with family and friends and luncheon following at the church. A celebration of life will be held at a date to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be donated to a charity of the giver’s choice in his honor.

Last Update: Feb 05, 2024 6:50 pm CST