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Joel Laabs Obituary
Joel Dean
Laabs
January 23, 1957
February 18, 2023
Surrounded by the love of family and many friends, Joel Dean Laabs passed comfortably and peacefully into the loving arms of his God on Saturday, February 18, 2023.
Joel was born in Greeley, Colorado to Lois and Merlin Laabs, who moved to Colorado Springs when Joel was about two years old. He attended D-11 schools and graduated from Palmer High School in 1975. He was a life-long member of Grace (previously Our Saviors) Lutheran Church.
He married Susan Bradt in 1981 after one date and a couple months of long distance phone calls. He decided to propose with a very romantic "I can't afford the phone bills, why don't you come out and we'll get married?" They were married for over forty-one years.
Joel loved his family. He was especially proud of his two children, Travis and Alyssa. He encouraged them in their sports activities when they were young, and celebrated their career successes later. When the grandchildren came along, he was there willing to change diapers, happily bounce them on his knee, or give them a Grandpa squeeze (or a Grandpa crack, if warranted). Greyson, Olivia, Audrey and Bennett will always be much loved!
Joel was always very close to his brothers, Keith, Brian, and Kevin, and sister, Cathie, and saw them almost daily throughout his life. He had many cousins, aunts, and uncles that he loved sharing time with whenever possible. His favorite thing to do was to sit back in a garage having beers with friends and neighbors while trading funny stories and sharing a laugh.
Joel was affectionately nicknamed "The Mayor" because he seemed to know someone everywhere he went. More importantly, he was loved by everyone who knew him because of his generous, kind, and fun loving nature. He maintained friendships from elementary and high school while making new friends on a daily basis. He was always available to help anyone who needed him.
He served at Grace Lutheran Church in many capacities, and found a calling at Westside Cares serving the homeless. Any memorial contributions can be directed to these entities at https://gracelutherancos.org/giving, and https://www.westsidecares.org/donate/
He will be missed by many, but especially his immediate family including his wife, Susan Bradt Laabs; his children, Travis (Chelsea) Laabs, and Alyssa Laabs; his grandchildren, Greyson Hosler, Olivia Laabs, Audrey Laabs, and sweet Bennett Laabs, who was awaiting his arrival; his siblings, Keith, Cathie (Randy), Brian (Lorinda), and Kevin (Barri), and their children, Amanda, Sarah, Rachel, Courtney, Katrina, Tiffany, and also waiting for him, Seth.
Special hugs to Chelsea Laabs, Leroy and Joy, Rachel Brown, Andy and Phil and Carol.
Celebration of Life, 10:00AM, Saturday, March 11, 2023, Grace Lutheran Church, 1128 East Boulder Street, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joel Laabs
Pick Family
February 27, 2026
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Pick family
February 27, 2025
It does not seem like 2 years have passed by . It has been quite around here without him . Miss him too .
Love Pat , Colleen and Shelby
Pick Family
February 29, 2024
I can't believe it has been a year. Miss the talks and laughs.
Pat,Colleen & Shelby
Mary Abeyta
March 17, 2023
Joel was a very wonderful person. He was a neighbor ours. Joel always had a smile on his face and always took time to sit and visit. The last time we saw Joel was at McDonald's and even though he was was done eating, he came and sat down with Leroy and I and we visited with him. Beautiful family. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sue and the family. RIP Joel.
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Karen (Theodore) Knight
March 13, 2023
Sending our condolences to Joel's family. The Laabs family moved into house next to the church and down the alley from our house. Cathie, Joel, my sister Lisa and myself all spent a lot of time hanging at each others house or Boulder park. Joel and I bowled together on the same league. Had many a good times and laughs. He was one of a kind.
Athena Young
March 10, 2023
Joel was a friend to everyone. He was so active at church and always was willing to lend a helping hand. I have known him for years and I will miss seeing him. My sympathy to all of the Laabs and White's families.
Maureen Anderson
March 9, 2023
My condolences to you all on the loss of Joel. You are in my prayers.
Rod Schofield
March 8, 2023
Sharie and I are so saddened to learn of Joel's death and we remember what a wonderful servant he was at Our Savior's and how much he loved his family. Our prayers are with all his family.
Michelle Barrientos
March 8, 2023
My buddy from chrissy fowler I'll always remember your sense of humor. Over the years you've become not only my friend but a friend of my husband's. We will never forget how wonderful of a friend you were to us. He will always be your concrete guy. My prayers go out to your family as you will be missed dearly to everyone who knew you.
Kathy and Rick Whorten
March 6, 2023
Joel was a good friend and neighbor. He walked the roads in our neighborhood enjoying the beautiful scenery. We walked with him often, always talking and exchanging stories. He was kind and always lending a hand if needed. Will be missed so much......gone too soon. Will always remember his smile and laugh......Love to you and your family. Kathy and Rick Whorten
Joan Coupland
March 6, 2023
I remember him living in the house "next door" and always liked him. We know how much he will be missed! May God comfort each one of you as you grieve this loss.
Joan and Craig Coupland
Kathy and Rick Whorten
March 6, 2023
Joel will be missed in our neighborhood and in our hearts. He enjoyed walking and enjoying the beautiful scenery. We walked with him many times. He was so kind and helpful, always willing to lend a hand, and of course asking " where's my beer". Love and miss you, Joel. Kathy and Rick Whorten
Tom Everson
March 5, 2023
May Joel's family and friends share countless stories of loving memories that could only have been made because of the gift of his life.
Colleen
March 5, 2023
Joel will be missed by Aylssa's neighbors . He was over at her house all the time. Good Talks and laughs. Gone to soon but not forgotten.
Love to the family.
Pat,Colleen and Shelby Pick
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