Gary, aka "de Crow", age 81 formerly of Appleton was called to his eternal home on Wednesday December 2, 2020 at Emerald Ridge assisted living. Gary was born on March 5, 1939 to the late Floyd "Fleecie" and Ione (Feavel) Laabs. Gary graduated from Menasha High school where he sported the nickname Elvis due to his love of rock 'n' roll and his jet black hair. It was playing in one of his early rock bands at Apple Sock that Gary met the love of his life, his "Pretty Woman", Chere` Starks. The two were wed in 1960 and had four children to complete their family. Gary followed his passion as a full time musician in various local and regional bands for over 30 years, even trying his luck in California. Some of the bands he played in include The Flaming Coals, Resurrection, Spearmint Cupcake, The Nashville Sound, Jerry Williams and the Rockets, Wilbur and the Pirates, and The Faros. Gary was a fantastic guitar player, singer and songwriter; to his fans, many of his covers were better than the originals. Gary also served as the secretary treasurer of the local chapter AFL-CIO musicians union for many years, helping musicians throughout the Fox Valley. In later years, he worked for ADVOCAP, helping elderly and disabled community members with small home repairs, household tasks and meals on wheels. Gary was well prepared for this role, a handyman all of his life, he maintained their home on his own, and repaired the many "beaters" they owned throughout the years in the driveway.

Gary was an avid sportsman. He enjoyed softball, which he played into his 60's, as well as tennis, bowling and golf. He also coached many women's softball teams in the Menasha area in the 70's and 80's. He enjoyed hunting, foul, deer and even bear, in many areas of Wisconsin. Watching sports was another pastime Gary enjoyed, a tried and true Packers fan, as well as a member of the die-hard Cubs fan club (but he also enjoyed the Brewers!). If there was an "official" on TV to be yelled at, Gary was the man for the job.

Gary is survived by his wife of 60 years Chere`, his daughters: Candice (Peter) Vogt and Micki (Joe) Verhagen; his sons Doug (Stephanie) Laabs and Gary Jr. (Shelby) Laabs. He is further survived by his brothers: Tim Laabs, Lance (Sherry) Laabs, Kim (Cheryl) Laabs; grandchildren: David (Shamla) Laabs, Sarah (Mark) Omdal, Hannah (John) Sevilla, Jonathan Laabs, Samuel Robinson, Nick (Andrea) Verhagen, Samantha Verhagen, Liam, Luke and Lance Laabs, Sheena, Kyle and Gary III Laabs; great grandchildren: Pria, Premal, Premadhar Laabs, Lucy, Hattie and Jane Omdal, Ezra, Micaiah and Lydia Sevilla; along with loved nieces, nephews and cousins.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, parents in law, Edward and Lydia Starks, great granddaughter Prisha, nieces Lauren and Cassie Laabs, nephews Nathanial and Scott Laabs, longtime friend and bandmate Dave Hermsen and many other aunts, uncles, friends and loved ones.

We would like to extend a very special thank you to Emerald Ridge and Heartland hospice for their loving care of Gary in the last year of his life.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Cards and condolences may be sent to Brettschneider Trettin Nickel Funeral Chapel, 606 N Oneida Street and we will forward them on to the family.