Yolunda R. “Yogi” Laabs, age 76, of Berry Lake, passed away early Saturday morning, April 27, 2024, in Safford, Arizona. Yolunda was born January 18, 1948, in Shawano, a daughter of the late Robert and Margie (Jones) Thorne. She attended the Shawano schools graduating with the Class of 1966. Following high school she worked as a waitress. On December 10, 1972, she was united in marriage to Milton Laabs in Shawano. Following their
marriage the couple owned and operated Yogi’s Truck Stop in Shawano. In 1976, the couple sold the Truck Stop and moved to Berry Lake. After they sold, Yogi continued to work as a waitress. Milton preceded her in death on December 30, 2023. The couple loved to travel, play dart ball, and spend time with family. She was a devoted pet lover, especially to her dogs. Yolunda was an avid Green Bay Packer fan.
Survivors include her six children, Stacy (Marty) Minnick of Arizona, Tony (Regina) Thorne of Alabama, Shawn (Katrina) Thorne of Bonduel, Jenny (Jody) Bystol of Shawano, Billy (Michelle) Laabs of Shawano, and Dan (Stephanie) Laabs of Gresham; 19 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brothers, Mike (Debbie) Thorne of Shawano, and Rex (Lanell) Thorne of Gresham; two sisters, Renee (Forest) O’Kimosh of Neopit, and Robin (Gary) Prey of Shawano; in-laws, Marlin (Prescilla) Laabs of Marshfield, WI; and sister-in-law, Rhea Thorne of Louisiana. She is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Yolunda was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Milton; brother, Robert Thorne; and two grandsons, Jacob Thorne, and Jeremy Hoff.
A time to remember and celebrate the life of Yolunda “Yogi” Laabs will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2024, from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm at Mickelson Funeral Service in Shawano.
Mickelson Funeral & Cremation Service, Inc. of Shawano is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share condolences at www.mickelsonfs.com.
“We would like to thank Tucson Medical Center and Haven of Safford Arizona for the kind and compassionate care our mom received.”
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