David J. Laabs

David J. Laabs, age 57, of Manitowoc passed away February 23, 2026 at Aurora Medical Center, Two Rivers surrounded by his family. David was born May 3, 1968 in Milwaukee, son of Audrey and the late Marvin Laabs. David was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Manitowoc. On July 18, 2012, he married his partner for life, Judy Skrepenski.

Dave lived a life fueled by passion, horsepower, and heart. From a young age, Dave had a relentless pursuit of speed that began with stock car racing and never truly left him. His love for engines and competition grew into a lifelong passion for tractor and truck pulling, and later, lawn and garden tractor pulling. Dave was a proud cofounder of the Lakeshore Garden Tractor Pullers Association, building not only a club but a community of friends who shared his enthusiasm.

Dave also loved the outdoors-snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, and yes, cutting grass, often including his neighbors' whether they asked or not. When he wasn't outdoors, you could often find him around a card table playing a competitive game of Sheep's Head, or gathered in the famous "Situation Room," where he and his closest friends and family solved the world's problems with laughter, storytelling, and strong opinions.

Service to his community was an important part of Dave's life. He served for many years as a volunteer firefighter with the Silver Creek Fire Department in Manitowoc County, always ready to lend a hand when neighbors were in need.

Driving truck was more than a job for Dave-it was his life's work. A lifelong truck driver, he dedicated himself to the road and in 2012, alongside his beloved late wife Judy, founded Bauch Road Trucking LLC, an homage to his Grandpa Henry Bauch.

Dave was known as a fun-loving, approachable man who could strike up a conversation with anyone. He made connections easily and left lasting impressions everywhere he went. The Bauch Road community will never be the same without Dave.

Above all, Dave's greatest joy was his two boys – they were his world. Dave was a supportive and caring father to his cherished boys Brandon and Bryce. Dave supported them in any and all endeavors in their lives with encouragement and also some logic. Dave & his son, Bryce, shared a deep friendship marked by respect, humor, and heartfelt conversation.

He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Dave is survived by his two sons: Brandon Laabs (fiancée, Lindsay Goldaper) Thonotosassa, FL and Bryce Laabs, Manitowoc; his mother: Audrey Laabs, Manitowoc; one sister: Naomi (Shawn) Schmidt-Sadowski, Manitowoc; one brother: Dan (Missy) Laabs, Manitowoc; five nieces and nephews: Wil Schmidt, Hannah Boettcher, Cora Wenzel, Derek Laabs & Lucas Laabs; five grand nieces and nephews: Mallory Schmidt, Aiden Schmidt, Nate Heise, Loretta Boettcher and Hesston Boettcher; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Allan (Sue) Herrmann, JoAnn (Shawn) Seefeldt, & Joyce Herrmann.

Dave was preceded in death by his wife, Judy Laabs; father, Marvin Laabs; brother-in-law, Kenny Herrmann, & sister-in-law, Jean Braunel.

The family would like to extend their gratitude and appreciation to Aurora's 3rd floor West wing nurses and Hospice for the wonderful care they provided to Dave and support to his family. Dave told them at every opportunity that they took very good care of him and that "he was a model patient". This was Dave's humor.

To God be the Glory.

Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life gathering will take place at a later date.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com.

The Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Pfeffer Funeral Home location, is assisting the Laabs family with arrangements.