Brookfield, Wisconsin
LaBadie, William Age 83. Beloved husband and father passed away peacefully, January 2, 2010, with his grandchildren, Emily and Tim Gahn, at this side. Adoring husband of Ruth, his loving wife of 61 years. Dear son-in-law of Helen E. Clark (98). Proud father of Linda Hansen, Michael (Anne) LaBadie, Wendy (Kris) Gahn-Ackley and Timothy (Eva) LaBadie, and devoted grandfather to 14 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Loving brother to Joan Volz, Margie Burtch and Paul (Pat) LaBadie. Preceded in death by his parents Marguerite and Edward LaBadie, brother Ed, and sister Patsy. He is remembered by many loving relatives and friends. William, "who his friends call Bill (but you can call him William)", after serving in the US Army during WWII, married his lovely wife Ruth in 1948. He began working for Clark Oil and Refinery Company in 1949 pumping gas. He worked himself up to Purchasing Agent and retired as Vice President of the company. After retirement he became the Executive Director of the Emory T. Clark Family Charitable Foundation. Bill and his wife were avid ballroom dancers always gathering a crowd as they gracefully made their way around the dance floor. Bill was a car enthusiast, collector, rebuilder and never missed watching a NASCAR race. He enjoyed playing tennis with his friends, making stained glass, especially with his grandchildren, and working in his yard. Bill was a giver in life always offering a helping hand, a bit of wit or just a smile. He selflessly made himself accessible to family, friends and neighbors. He will be deeply missed. Visitation will be held at the funeral home Thursday, January 7, from 4:00PM-8:00PM. Memorial services Friday, January 8, 1:00PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations are requested to the Macular Degeneration Foundation in Bill's name (www.eyesight.org).
www.beckerritter.com
I was sadden to here of Williams passing. Ruth you and William changed my life . I have never forgotten your kindness you both should me when I was boy. He and you should me a better road to my life and I thank you for this. I was on show site when my sister e-mailed me the sad new's. my thought's and prayers are with you and your family.
January 26, 2010
We wish to extend our heartfelt sympathies to his wife Ruth and daughter Linda and other family members. Bill was the kind hearted person. He loved tennis and so did we. Walking up Island View Dr. I can still hear the fun with his buddies on the tennis court. My son's were fortunate to have Bill teach them many ways to take care of and maintain his property and more, such as stain glass creation. (I still have my cross that Bill helped Ryan with and he gave it to me). He enjoyed them as...
Jim & Sally Blank
January 09, 2010 | Slinger
Bill was one of the most wonderful people I ever knew. Anytime people were around him you could feel his warmth and friendliness.
I have many fond memories of the times that we played tennis and our special outing when a carload of us guys went to the EAA Show in Oshkosh,WI.
Dan Terry (Oconomowoc,WI / Venice,FL)
January 08, 2010
When I saw that Mr. LaBadie passed away I immediately thought of the great stories my father Ken Jensen had told us Jensen kids about him. We were always thankful to all of the great Clark families for giving our father his first job. He truly loved going to work every day.
Again our thoughts and prayers are with your family,
Ramona Kaiser(Jensen)
West Allis, Wisc.
January 07, 2010
Dear Ruth and children, My heart is heavy for you but I know that Bill knew our LORD and Savior and that He love the LORD with all his heart, He will be welcomed in heaven with open arms by Jesus. He was a wonderful person on this earth to all of us left behind and sometimes would let you know when we were wrong. I loved Bill because he was exceptionally caring and had a great sense of humor. GOD Bless you all and give you peace.
Love Jan Clark
Janice M Clark
January 06, 2010 | Ocala, FL
Auntie Ruth, I have so many fond memories of Uncle Bill and the family. My favorite is when he spent the better half of the day trying to get me up on two water skis. I wanted to give up, knowing how bored he must have been, but he wouldn't give up on me. This past summer I remember being tickled by his teasing with you, Aunt Ruth. He was so enamored with you that he acted like a silly school boy around you even after 60 plus years of marriage. I am so glad my children got to meet him this...
Kris Carmichael
January 06, 2010 | Tampa, FL
Mr. LaBadie, as I remember him will always be remembered. He provided me with my first job working in his beautiful yard. I was only one of a long list of neighborhood kids who Mr. LaBadie taught the values of hard work and dedication. To this day I can recall many of the specific lessons he taught in life. He will be truely missed.
Jim Jaworski
January 05, 2010 | Wausau, WI
My heart and condolences go out to the family Ruth, Michael, Linda, Wendy and Tim you are all in our prayers and thoughts. Your dad was the best of the best, always had a kind word, smile and great sense of humor. I was the privileged one for to have known him.
James Turner
January 05, 2010 | Waukesha, WI
Absolutely one of the most generous men I had the pleasure to meet,,with his smile. Bill, watch over those of us still on the planet, we need ya.
Monica
Monica Hasslinger
January 05, 2010 | Waukesha, WI
