Joan Marie Labbus

Joan Marie Labbus of Antigo passed away on July 22, 2025 at the age of 93.

Joan was born on September 13, 1931 in Polar to the late Alex and Elsa (Reimer) Kolpack. She was united in marriage to Richard Labbus on May 22, 1948 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Polar. The couple were married for 56 years before he preceded her in death on April 10, 2005.

In addition to being a devoted homemaker, wife, and working on the family farm, Joan worked as waitress for Club 77, and a cook for JAC’s Club. She also worked as a cook for Eastview Medical and Rehab Center. She also worked in potato and mink farming.

Music was a central part of Joan’s life, she found joy in playing the piano, organ, and singing. She shared her musical talents by serving as choir director for St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, singing in the choir, and participating in the Noteblenders. Joan’s faith guided her life and the way she cared for others. She was an active member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, being involved in the Ladies Aid and acting as a Sunday School teacher for many years. Joan also enjoyed quilting. More than anything, she enjoyed spending time with her family and grandchildren, who were the greatest joy of her life.

Joan is survived by daughters; Eileen (Daniel) Meyer of Antigo, Helen (Michael) Ourada of Merrill, Eunice (Craig) Mathews of Bradenton, FL, Audrey (James) Kavanagh of Wausau, Stephanie (Al) Waldvogel of Antigo, sons; Paul (Jean) Labbus of Antigo, Mark (Kristine) of Oshkosh, grandchildren; Joshua (Amber) Labbus, Sarah (Ben) Brothers, Tasha (Craig) Hotchkiss, Kristen (Bert) Marvin, Danielle (Erik) Yuska, Eric (Kristin) Meyer, Tina (Mike) Schmidt, Phil (Lindsay) Ourada, Aaron (Jen) Mathews, Joel (Michelle) Mathews, Caleb (Emily) Mathews, Jared (special friend Kacie) Labbus, Alaina (special friend Chadrin) Labbus, Erin (Jason) Quinn, Michelle (Jake Fermanich) Umland, Marnie Umland, Whitney (Wilmer) Pineda-Waldvogel, sister Maxine Baseley, and special friend Jerry Larson. She is further survived by 31 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a son-in-law Mark Umland, great granddaughter Allison Hotchkiss, brothers Rueben (Lucille) Kolpack, Norman (Marge), Milton (Gloria), Edwin (Lori), Lloyd (Arcelia), infant brother Alex, sisters Lorraine (Archie) Wheeler, Doris (James) Norem, Renata (Hilbert) Lucht, and Adeline (Edwin) Kelm, brother-in-law John Baseley.

A funeral service for Joan will be held on Monday, July 28, 2025 at 11:00 AM at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Polar. Visitation will take place prior to the service from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the church. Burial will follow the service at St. Peter’s Cemetery.