James J LaBrec

James LaBrec, Sr., age 94, of Arkansaw, died Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at the Homeplace of Durand. James was born at home in the Big Akansaw Valley on November 8, 1930, to Carl and Lucy (Youngman) LaBrec. James grew up on the home farm near Arkansaw, and graduated from Arkansaw High School in 1948.
He loved baseball, and tried out for the Yankees and other major league teams. He continued to have a lifelong love of sports and played city team baseball and basketball, and coached men's fastpitch and women's slow pitch softball for years. He was competitive and loved to win. After an injury, he returned to the family farm and married Rheta Hutter on June 3rd, 1952. They farmed for many years on the home farm where they raised their six children. While he farmed, he also hauled bulk and canned milk, worked at the Durand Canning Company, and drove school bus for the Arkansaw School district. After selling the farm in 1977, he drove truck and did maintenance for Faribault Foods, and worked in inventory at INCSTAR and UW-Stout.
He loved hunting and fishing, playing cards, and square dancing, both calling and dancing. He loved his yearly trips to Canada fishing, and he and mom loved their trips to the cabin near Spooner. He looked forward to making maple syrup each spring. His son and granddaughter still continue that tradition today.
After Rheta's passing in 1996, James married Shirley Karshbaum. They lived at the Homeplace for several years, and he continued to live there after Shirley's passing.
Special thanks to Dave Drier for taking him coyote hunting, to Vickie and the Homeplace staff for their love and care for many years, and his niece, Jane Poeschel, for providing such loving care, and the many others who visited and showed kindness.
He is survived by his children, Deb (Rick) Setterlund, Dan (Linda) LaBrec, Jim Jr. (Vicky) LaBrec, Sue (Bob) McDonnell, Diane (Mike) Longsdorf, and Peggy (Jay) Kralewski, many grandchildren and great-grand children. He was so proud of his family. He was preceded death by his parents, three sisters, Jean (Melvin) Bechel, Audrey (Harold) Tschumperlin, and Carol Wolf, and many other relatives.
A graveside service will be held at a later date.
Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.