Obituary for Dennis D. Labus

Dennis was born to Dean and Inez (Reed) Labus on May 8, 1945. He was raised on the family farm just outside of West Salem. Dennis was happy to spend his 80 years close to his roots, family and friends. Dennis and Dolora Breidel were married on October 17, 1970. Together, Dennis and Dolora welcomed two children, Daniel and Dana, into their life together. Dennis and Dolora were blessed with 29 years of marriage. Dennis found happiness again with Terre James and they were wed on October 5, 2005, adding another daughter, Whitney, to the family. Dennis and Terre were blessed with 20 years of marriage. On November 6, 2009 Dennis’ world became even brighter with the birth of his grandson, Gavin.

Dennis enjoyed all things Western. It was rare to find Dennis in anything other than jeans, a fancy belt buckle, a Western shirt and cowboy boots. He loved Arabian horses and was dedicated to breeding his perfect Arabian. He loved raising his foals and would stay up all hours of the night to ensure that they arrived safely into the world. Nothing was more therapeutic to Dennis than going for a relaxing trail ride. Through the horse community, Dennis built many lifelong friendships. He could be talked into any roadtrip as long as it involved horses or an auction.

Dennis was a man of many interests. He was a talented woodworker, building gifts for his family and friends. Scattered across the countryside are numerous yard swings that he gifted to family and friends simply because he enjoyed it. Many hours were spent in a yard swing enjoying nature and friendship. Dennis could repair or build almost anything. He enjoyed restoring horse sleighs, buggies and saddles and finding new homes for them. Dennis loved working with his hands to create anything that he could dream up. He loved collecting antiques and horse tack. He was eager to share his knowledge of everything in his collection and could often be heard saying “Well, I thought that was pretty cute. I ought to have it.” Dennis was a proud lifetime member of the NRA and enjoyed going to gun shows with friends as often as he could. He appreciated nature and sharing stories of all the creatures that he saw around the farm. If he wasn’t doing chores or working on a project, Dennis would most likely be found with a book or magazine and a snack. His mind was always at work.

Dennis enjoyed a long, successful career in the La Crosse area as a realtor and appraiser. He had the gift for gab and put that to use in his career. He made many lifelong friends in the realty community. Together with his family and good friends, he continued the Labus Christmas Tree Farm and spent years caring for the trees and making wreaths.

Dennis was preceded in death by his wife, Dolora, and his dear niece Angela Labus. He was also preceded in death by his parents and his mothers and fathers in-law Frank and Viola Breidel and Vernon and Lois James and brothers in-law Eugene Breidel, Jim Hesselberg and Don Weber.

Dennis is survived by his faithful cat, Julius, wife, Terre, children Dan Labus, Dana Labus (Tim Hoeth), Whitney Lowe and his grandson, Gavin Labus. He is further survived by his faithful brother, Jon (Lyn) Labus and his brothers and sisters in-law Mary (Rick) Meyer, Donnie (Rhea) Breidel, Kathy Weber, Rita Hesselberg, Tom (Paula) Breidel, Denise (Glen) Hatch and Greg (Sherrill) James.

A memorial service will be held at 3 pm on Monday, October 27, 2025, at Fredrickson Funeral Home, Jostad Chapel, 121 N Youlon St., West Salem. A private burial will be in Neshonoc Cemetery. A visitation will be from 1 pm until the time of the service, Monday at the funeral home.

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