Donald John Labat

PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE IN VENUE:

Memorial Services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, November 18, 2024, at the Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Marshall, Minnesota. Interment will then be in the Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Marshall, Minnesota, followed by a luncheon for attendees at Carlin Hall, back at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Marshall. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Monday, also at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Avera Home Hospice in Marshall.

Donald John Labat was born on February 2, 1941, in Marshall, Minnesota to parents Henry and Emerence “Rose” (DeVos) Labat. He was the oldest of 11 children. He grew up in the Marshall area and attended school at St. Joseph’s Academy and Holy Redeemer Grade school in Marshall before graduating from Central Catholic High School in 1959.

On October 6, 1962, Donald married his high school sweetheart, Phyllis Berends, at St. Eloi Catholic Church in Ghent, Minnesota. Donnie learned to drive truck from his father and was proud to log over a million miles. He was employed as a truck driver and dispatcher for Floyd Wild Inc, Schwan’s, Moberg Transport, Ralco, and Praxair.

Donnie was a proud member of the American Legion Post in Marshall. He retired as Captain from the Marshall Fire Department in 1992 and spent the next years in a log home on Floodwood Lake near Hibbing, Minnesota. In 2005 the couple moved to Sun City, Arizona, and in 2010 they became “snowbirds” spending the summers in Green Valley, Minnesota. In 2019, they sold their home in Sun City and returned to live in Marshall. Donnie enjoyed fishing in Canada, camping, and spending time with his children, grandchildren and other family members. He also had a fondness for animals, especially dogs and cats.

Donnie Labat died on November 11, 2024, Marshall, Minnesota. He reached the age of 83 years, 9 months, and 9 days. Blessed be his eternal be his memory.

Donnie is survived by his wife, Phyllis Labat of Marshall; 2 sons, Jeffry (Jessica) Labat and their children: Jonathon and Enrique of San Diego, CA; Scott (Kim) Labat and their children: Megan and Hannah of Crystal, MN; 8 siblings, Gordon (Bernadette) Labat of Phoenix, AZ, Pauline (Putz) Serreyn of Green Valley, MN, Daniel (Sandy) Labat of Green Valley, MN, Duke Labat of Wagoner, OK, Greg (Marilyn) Labat of Marshall, Larry (LaVonne) Labat of Green Valley, MN, Mary Hoflock of Marshall, MN, Deb Picht of Marshall; sister-in-law, Cheryl Labat of Sioux Falls, SD; many nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Donnie is preceded in death by his parents; son, Curtis Labat; sister, Judy Labat; brother, Tom Labat; brothers-in-law, Howard Serreyn, Randy Picht, Gary Hoflock; sisters-in-law, Janet Labat and Carol Labat.