Lauren & Cassie Laabs
Neenah - Lauren Elizabeth Laabs, age 26, and Cassandra Joy Laabs, age 20, were taken together from this earth on Saturday, August 18. Both women have had significant impacts on the world and others during their too short lives.
Lauren Elizabeth Laabs, or Doozy as her father called her, was an incredible daughter, granddaughter, sister and friend. Lauren's loving and adventurous nature can be seen in her life accomplishments. She graduated from Neenah High School in 2010 and UW-Madison in 2014 with a bachelor's degree in Global Health. During college she studied for one year in Bologna, Italy. Lauren then completed a life-long dream of serving 2.5 years as a Peace Corps volunteer and bravely lived by herself in one of the poorest parts of Ethiopia, Africa. Her attitude of love for all people was shown by her ability to endear herself to a community differing from her religiously and culturally. She was virtually adopted as a village daughter, even serving as a bridesmaid for an Ethiopian friend. She made life-long friends on three continents. After completing her Peace Corps service she climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro to the summit with her friend and visited a live volcano in Tanzania. An avid runner, in her first Fox Cities Half-Marathon she finished 8th overall for women in 2013. She is remembered for her ability to brighten every room with her laugh and goofy antics. Lauren never took a moment for granted and was an inspiration to every person she met. She was truly one of a kind (a doozy), full of life, and ready to take on any challenge. Her next goal was to go back to school to become a nurse practitioner.
Cassandra Joy Laabs, a spontaneous and kind-hearted soul, was a 2016 Neenah High School graduate and was attending UW-Milwaukee with a goal of being an elementary teacher. Wow, was Joy the right middle name! When she laughed, everyone laughed. When she smiled, everyone smiled. Her positive outlook and attitude was contagious. Unknowingly to her, her laugh was more grasping and beautiful than the music she was constantly playing. In high-school she was part of the Neenah show choirs and soccer team. The energetic fireplug once scored three goals before halftime of a game. She loved her teammates and developed friendships with a diverse group. A perfect example of her big heart was shown by the gifts, cards, and notes she would receive from peers who were touched by her when they were feeling left out, discouraged, or lonely. Foreshadowing her teaching career, Cassie worked with Special Ed students and was a soccer instructor for young children. Cassie was a "favorite teacher" at the UW-Milwaukee Children Center where she endeared herself to children from all parts of the city. Her dream was to travel the world and make a positive difference in the lives of students wherever her career took her. She planned on completing a mission trip to Africa in the summer of 2019.
Cassie and Lauren were joined at the hip. Cassie would often greet Lauren by tackling her and then saying, "Hey sister!" Both women changed lives and brought smiles to all they encountered. Numerous families have told us they were like daughters to them. For us it will be a lot lonelier without them. We will heal by God's grace, the love of others, and memories of years of the incredible experiences and loving relationships we had with them. Their ship is sailing out of sight now but is not gone. Those on the other side see them coming and are cheering "Here they come" and are waiting with open arms. Those who knew them were blessed in many ways. They made the world a better place. Now we can honor them by doing the same.
Lauren and Cassie are survived by their parents Kim and Cheryl Laabs and sister, Jessie (all of Neenah). They are also survived by: grandparents Dave and Lou Woldt (Grafton); aunts and uncles Gary and Chere Laabs (Appleton), Tim Laabs (Crandon), Lance and Sherry Laabs (Pickerel), Mark and Carrie Ralfs, Rick and Christine Woldt, and Jeff and Amy Woldt (all Milwaukee area residents), and Jed and Kim Parks (Goodyear, AZ); and of course numerous cousins they shared a special relationship with.
Lauren will be especially missed by best friends Monica Laurent, Caitlyn Bushe, Mary Duff, Erin Theuerkauf Shannon, MaryBeth Spoehr, and Hailee Pipes, her mountain climbing buddy. Cassie counted so many as her best buds including Kari Holte, Bailee Falk, Megan Perri, Megan Janssen, Elle Kummerow, and Lexi Degreef.
The family has been especially touched by the Theda Clark staff, Dr. Wasco, and Chaplain KC who was always around just at the right time. Rev. Paul Holte and family have been incredibly comforting. Thank you to the Winnebago County Health Department staff and community partners, Adella Beach family, and fishing club for all they've done.
John and Ann Marie Anderson and their children Austin (our daughter four) and Bailey (our daughter five) have provided incredible support and comfort in more ways than we can list.
Thank you to the hundreds from this community and in other countries who have offered prayers, encouragement and offers of help, support, facilities, food, and more.
There will be a Celebration of Life for Lauren and Cassie at the Waverly Beach facility in Menasha, WI, on Wednesday, August 29th, from 6-9 P.M.
Funeral visitation is from 2-6 P.M. on Thursday, August 30, with the service at 6:00 P.M. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church at 200 N. Commercial Street, Neenah, WI.
Westgor Funeral Home
205 W. Doty Ave. Neenah 722-7151
Condolences: www.westgorfuneralhomes.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Westgor Funeral Home - Neenah.
Always lifting you up in my thoughts and prayers!! Another year passes by, but I always think about Lauren and Cassie so very much throughout the year. God Bless you Laabs family. Hugs and love, Teena
Teena Keesler
Friend
August 19, 2022
Dear Cheryl, Kim and Jessie, Always remember that you are not alone! God is ever present and he will never leave you. You are always in my prayers and in my thoughts. It was nice to see you this summer Cheryl. Cassie and Lauren will never be forgotten! Make God continue to heal you and bring you comfort.
Teena Keesler
August 18, 2021
Dear Laabs Family, I continue to keep you all in my prayers. Time passes yes, but never the love and loss of Lauren and Cassie. They are on my mind often. Please know that I will always continue to care about you guys. May our loving God continue to bring you comfort and peace. I can just imagine all the smiles Cassie and Lauren are giving to others that are coming their way! So blessed are we to have known them!
Teena Keesler
Friend
August 20, 2020
Teena Keesler
Friend
August 20, 2020
Always keeping the Laabs family in my thoughts and prayers. May our loving God continue to shower you with his love, peace and comfort. Such beautiful daughters! God Bless, Teena Keesler
Teena Keesler
Acquaintance
August 19, 2019
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Thoughts and prayers are with the Laabs and you and your family Rick and Christine.
Carolyn Prange-Dodge
Friend
September 1, 2018
I worked with Kim for quite a few years. He always talked fondly about his girls. My heart is broken. God Bless Cheryl, Kim and Jessie. May Lauren and Cassie Rest in Peace.
Sharon
August 30, 2018
Sharon Schend
August 30, 2018
Heartbreaking....my heartfelt condolences to the Parents, Family and Friends of Lauren and Cassie. This just doesn't seem right and I'm SO very heartbroken for you to read about the passing of your beautiful loved ones to the tragedies of this world. You are sincerely in my thoughts and prayers. Matthew 5:4
~A stranger who cares
August 30, 2018
Being a father of three daughters myself, I cannot begin to imagine the pain.
My prayers are for the immediate Laabs family and every individual that had the honor of experiencing both Lauren and Cassie's exemplary spirits and souls.
May all who mourn their loss be blessed with Peace, Love, Comfort, and Hope knowing that, God willing, someday you will all meet again.
"Blessed are those who mourn,
For they shall be comforted..."
August 29, 2018
Dave and I send our deepest sympathies to you on the loss of your girls. We will always remember the fun filled days spent sunning on the lake and through our neighborhood get-togethers. We keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.With love, Jan and Dave Wallig
Janis Wallig
August 29, 2018
What a beautiful tribute to these young ladies who were taken much too soon. I didn't know the girls or the family, but my daughter worked with Cassie at the UWM Child Care Center and I know that she will be missed there. I could not imagine losing my girls at such a young age, much less at the same time...my sincere condolences to the family at this most difficult of times.
Deb Zube
August 29, 2018
With deepest sympathy on loss of your loved ones. May it comfort you to know that they will return to the days of his youthful vigor as Job 33:25.
Melissa Pioneer
August 29, 2018
I am so sorry to hear of this significant loss. They will continue to touch so many more!
Peace to your family and know they are smiling.
Kelly Schurer Strieder
August 28, 2018
Im so incredibly sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughters. I had the pleasure of knowing Cassie and I can say she made an impact on me in a short time, thats how great she was. Praying for the Laabs family at this difficult time.
August 27, 2018
Kim and Cheryl & Jessie,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss of your daughters/sisters. It is such a shock to lose your children this way. I worked with Kim at JJ Keller for quite a few years. He shared many times about his daughters and your dog.
May your faith in God carry you through these sorrowful times.
Diane Reinke
Diane Reinke
August 27, 2018
I am so sorry for the loss of your two beautiful daughters. They are an inspiration to all. I talked to my 13 year old about them and mentioned what great role models they are. To take the time to think of others when they have an exam or have had an off day as they did. My heart breaks for you all, but know they will never be forgotten and will continue to teach others.
August 27, 2018
What a beautiful tribute to these girls. Prayers to the family for healing.
Dean and Susan Cheslock
August 27, 2018
My heart breaks for your family, friends and this community. Although I don't know your family, the girls sure sounded like wonderful young ladies, I cannot imagine the grief. I have thought of you everyday, several times a day since this tragedy happened. May your faith, and the love of your family and friends help you through this. Heaven must have really need two more angels. Prayers and hugs to you all.
Katie Marquardt
August 27, 2018
Dear Laabs Family, Please know that I am praying for all of you and asking our loving God to hold you in his heart during this sad and difficult time. I remember Cassie coming to Lakeview School to observe in the first grade classroom. She would checkin and checkout in the office. Always coming in with such a radiant smile, lighting up the room, such a beautiful person. I am blessed to have met her. Continued prayers for you and your extended family. God Bless you all.
Teena Keesler
August 27, 2018
Dear Jessie--I am so very sorry for the loss of your sisters Lauren and Cassie. I am thinking of you and your parents and am sending my deepest sympathies your way. Please know that I am keeping both you and your family in my thoughts and my prayers during this time of great sorrow. Sincerely, Dr O. (English 150, UWM)
Liana Odrcic
August 26, 2018
We are saddened to learn of the passing of Lauren and Cassie. We are also grateful for Lauren's service to our nation with the Peace Corps in Ethiopia.
Our Deep Condolences,
The National Peace Corps Association
August 26, 2018
We are so sorry for your loss. Dear Laabs family you all are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Rod and Claudia Abba
August 26, 2018
My heart goes out to the family. Especially the parents. Death of children is so difficult and a true test of faith. My your heart heal wrapped in Gods love as he called his daughters home. Coming from my heart to yours. ((((Hugs))))
Cynthia Martinez
Acquaintance
August 26, 2018
To the Laabs family. Sending HEALING thoughts and prayers to your entire family at the tragic passing of Lauren and Cassie. No words can explain why young lives full of life and spirit are taken from us,but know that both girl's walk with & beside you everyday in spirit. Feel their warmth surrounding you when that butterfly or bird flies by. They were an inspiration to many and will be missed by all. God Bless
Linda and Mike Probst
August 26, 2018
Every quality a mother would want for her daughters , theses girls had in spades. Whenever Cheryl spoke of her children , her smile rivaled the sun.
I will be keeping the Laabs family and friends in prayer.
Kim Taito
Coworker
August 26, 2018
Gary, Chere, and Laabs family,
Please accept our prayers for the lost of your dear nieces, daughters, and sisters...the fusfeld-lee family
bob fusfeld
August 26, 2018
Sending love and prayers to Kim, Cheryl, Jessie and the all friends and family. Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss.
Sarah Eldred
August 25, 2018
Kim i am so sorry to hear about your daughters .My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Kim Laflin
Coworker
August 25, 2018
Elena L. Laabs
August 25, 2018
I do not know your family but am wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts...So sorry about the loss of your beautiful daughters Lauren and Cassie, the tribute to the girls was simply beautiful and inspiring. They were both truly special...
Beth Hoss
August 25, 2018
We love you both and our hearts are filled with sorrow for this terrible loss.
It's so hard to understand but God must have a reason.
Please know you are in our Prayers.
Terry & Marilyn Schulz
Family
August 25, 2018
David Monroe
Friend
August 24, 2018
David Monroe
Friend
August 24, 2018
David Monroe
Friend
August 24, 2018
David Monroe
Friend
August 24, 2018
Although Cassie and I werent the closest of friends, she was the light of my day whenever she saw me. She lit up every room she entered with her gorgeous smile and illuminating positivity. Cassie was, quite literally, the good we all want to see in the world. She was a woman filled with nothing but love, and God knew that. He knew that her love, joy and undimmable spirit was needed in Heaven. I am not mad at God for taking such a vibrant life from a community that thrived because of Cassie, but rather I am jealous because He now will get to experience her pure bliss and kindness of heart. All I can imagine now is Cassie looking down at all of our grieving hearts, smiling but frustrated, because if she were here she would want nothing less than to hug and cheer us all up.
David Monroe
Friend
August 24, 2018
I didn't know your daughters, but I am so Sorry for your loss. My heart breaks for what you are going through. It's bad enough to lose one child, but 2 is so incredibly heartbreaking.
August 24, 2018
Will always remember Cassies beautiful smile. So sorry for your terrible loss.
Michelle Schramm
Acquaintance
August 24, 2018
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