Willard B. Laabs, 88
Willard Bernard Laabs, 88, of Seattle, passed away Thursday May 14, 2009, in Seattle. 
He was born June16, 1920 in Winona, Minn. to Benard and Martha (Noeska) Laabs. He was a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard. He married Constance Dickerson in Minot, N.D. on May 28, 1954. His education included; a bachelor’s degree from Winona State University, Winona; attended University of Minnesota, Minneapolis; received a master’s degree from the University North Dakota, Grand Forks, N.D.; attended the University of Mexico, Mexico City; and received his Ph.D. specialist degree from Winona State University.
Laabs served in Minot as a secondary school teacher; high school speech and debate coach; public school administrator at the Minot Air Force base; and as a Minot city councilman for 10 years. In 1970 he moved his family to Austin, where he served as a school administrator at Woodson Elementary, Banfield Elementary and Austin High School before retiring in 1985.
He and his wife spent their retirement years wintering in Phoenix and Sun City West, Ariz. and summers near their children and grandchildren in Seattle. In retirement he and his wife traveled extensively and enjoyed their family and friends. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He is deeply missed by those who knew and loved him.
Laabs is preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Margaret Laabs and Dorothy (Laabs) Gallien.  He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Constance (Connie) Laabs of Seattle and Sun City West; son, Laird Laabs, and wife, Anastasia, of Issaquah, Wash.; daughter, Maren Lundberg, and husband, Randy, of Snohomish, Wash.; daughter, Kristen Cappleman, and husband, George, of Seattle; and seven grandchildren.
A family memorial service is scheduled for July at QueenAnne Lutheran Church in Seattle with Pastor Wayne Backus officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to QueenAnne Lutheran Church 2400 Eighth Ave. W., Seattle, WA 98119 in Willard’s name.