Dick LaBell (89) of Kenosha, Wisconsin passed away peacefully at home on November 20, 2023, with his family by his side. Dick was born on August 18, 1934, the firstborn son of Anne (Hauke) and Theodore LaBell. As a child, Dick spent much time outdoors fishing and hunting with his Mom and Dad. A born motorcycle-lover, one of his first jobs was delivering the Kenosha News on a three-wheeled motorcycle.
Dick met the love of his life, Carol (Whiteside) LaBell, while roller skating. They were married in Kenosha in February 20, 1954, and went on to raise four children and then delight in the grandchildren and great-grandchildren that followed, all who remain the light of their lives. They were blessed to spend nearly seventy years together as husband and wife.
Dick’s mechanical talents were unmatched, and he never met a broken motor, appliance, or part that escaped his abilities. He put his skills to use as owner of LaBell’s Ace Service from 1952-1954 and then at American Motors in Kenosha as a machine repairman for 32 years until his retirement in 1985. In his free time, Dick could be found riding his motorcycle with friends, tinkering in his garage, or heading to Crivitz, WI, for hunting weekends or weeks-long summer vacations with Carol and the kids. Those special times yielded lifelong memories that still fill his family with laughter and joy. In Dick’s retirement years, he and Carol traveled to Florida for the winter months to enjoy warmer weather with dear friends.
No matter where he was, Dick adored his family and friends and was devoted to making life better for everyone he loved. He lived life to the fullest. His stories about his remarkable escapades reminded others to do the same. Dick LaBell was one of the good ones, as they say. He will be missed forever.
Dick was preceded in death by his brother, Dennis, two infant sons Richard and David, his parents Anne and Theodore LaBell, and his granddaughter, Chrissy Holman.
He is survived by his loving wife Carol, children Kathy (Ron) Grams, Steve (Julie) LaBell, Linda (Mark) Cunningham, and Bob (Beth) LaBell, ten grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren, as well as cherished extended family members. Special thanks to Kenosha Hospice Alliance for their caring and compassionate support during this difficult time.
Family and friends are invited to Kenosha Funeral Services, 8226 Sheridan Road, Kenosha, WI, on Saturday, December 9, 2023, for a visitation from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. followed by a service in Dick’s honor.
