Lyle Leslie Laabs – December 12, 2022

Lyle Leslie Laabs, age 91, passed away on December 12, 2022. Lyle was a resident of Colorado Springs, Colorado for over sixty years.

Lyle was born on a small farm near Canby, Minnesota on October 22, 1931. His parents, Leo Carl Albert Laabs and Albertina Rose Wolff welcomed a half-dozen boys into their family.
The Laabs family and their boys, Orville, Dorrel, Merlin, Odell, Lyle, and Donovan remained closely connected throughout the years. As the boys married and grew their own families, they continued to gather for reunions, cookouts, and various family celebrations. Lyle was well known within the family for his pranks and playfulness.

Lyle was immensely proud of his military service. He served in the US Navy as a machinist mate in the 1950’s. His time and adventures aboard the USS Macon CA132 enabled him to visit and explore new worlds at every port. Lyle attributed his time in military service and the skill sets learned as critical to his future success as a business owner.

As the Owner/Operator of Lyle’s Ditching he provided utility contracting services to large and small customers. His business successes were often generously shared within the community as he sponsored teams, stock cars, and various events.

As a young boy, Lyle developed a passion for the outdoors which continued throughout his life. As a father of three daughters, he taught his girls how to shoot a gun, clean a fish, and ride motorcycles. Lyle was always full of surprises, including the evening he brought home a horse for his daughters.

Lyle was the last surviving brother of the “half-dozen” Laabs boys. Up until his death, Lyle continued to receive visits and help with his care from his deceased brothers’ children. Always present was his nephew Joel, or as Lyle referred to him “my friend”.

Lyle is survived by his three daughters and their families. Stephanie Hardy (Bryant), Leslie Gearhart (Bill), and Sydney Mitchell (Rick).

Lyle has eight grandchildren.
William Lyle Hardy, Nicole Chandra Hardy Buckley, Graden Bryant Hardy, Garrett Burt Hardy, Ryan Anthony Gearhart, Zane Alexander Gearhart
Madison Katherine Morgan, Jensen Ann Morgan
Lyle also has eleven great grandchildren.

The visitation and funeral will be held at Shrine of Remembrance “America the Beautiful” Chapel, 1730 East Fountain Boulevard, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80910.
Visitation: Tuesday, December 27, at 12:00pm
Funeral: Tuesday, December 27, at 1:00pm
Burial will follow.