Richard “Dick” R. Laba, 75 of Kenosha WI passed away on November 15th, 2023, after a short battle with cancer at Hospice Alliance Hospice House in Pleasant Prairie WI. He was born on November 3rd, 1948, to Joseph and Mary Laba (Jakubowicz) in Kenosha WI. He attended Kenosha schools graduating from Bradford in 1967 and Carthage in 1971.
Dick was a gifted athlete excelling in football, basketball, baseball, and softball. At Bradford he had 7 letters in football, basketball, and baseball. At Carthage he was all CCIW selection for football four years in a row, a rare accomplishment. He earned 4 letters in football. He holds the career interception record of 28. Dick coached defensive backs in 1982. On the baseball diamond, he earned 3 letters and played on 2 championship teams.
He played professional softball for the Milwaukee Schlitz from 1979 to 1982. They won 3 world championships, and he was MVP in the world series game in 1982.
He was charter member of 4 hall of fames: Kenosha Unified, Carthage, Old Timers Baseball, and Rotary Softball.
Dick was an outstanding player in local recreational sports for many years playing for Finney’s and Tirabassi’s among several others.
He played QB and DB for the Racine Raiders from 1971 to 1978.
He taught middle school physical education in Racine for 33 years, retiring in 2004.
Dick enjoyed golfing and was proud of his 3 holes in one.
Dick is survived by his long-time partner Karen Strangberg, siblings, Joan Zavasky, Joe (Char) Laba, Judy (Steve) Reuter, and Bill Laba, his niece Jackie Dayen, and nephews, Jason Reuter, Mike Reuter, and Todd Laba.
He is preceded in death by both his parents and his brother Tom Laba.
As per Dicks wishes there will be no funeral. Memorials are suggested to Hospice Alliance (10220 Prairie Ridge Blvd. Pleasant Prairie WI 53158) for the special care that they provided.
