Garnold Wilfred "Garnie" LaBair

Garnold (Garnie) Wilfred LaBair, age 76, of Mondovi, Wis., passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, July 27, 2024, while on a tractor ride in Ettrick, Wis. 

He was born on February 7, 1948 in Imlay City, Mich. to the late Wilfred and Betty (Upleger) LaBair. 

Garnie attended one-room Hopyard School in rural Baldwin, later graduating with the Baldwin High School Class of 1967. After graduation, he pursued his vocation of farming with his father. 

In 1970, Garnie was drafted to the U.S. Army 30th Infantry to serve in the Vietnam War. He was stationed in Germany.

While Garnie served in the Vietnam War, his family moved to Mondovi, Wis, to continue farming. Upon honorable discharge in 1972, Garnie returned to home to farm cooperatively with his father.

Garnie was united in marriage to Mary Jo Garlick on August 31, 1985. Nicole and Troy were born into this loving union of 39 years. 

In 1990, Garnie and Mary purchased the farm from Garnie’s parents, continuing he and his father’s tradition of milking a herd of Registered Holsteins, as well as keeping horses and Dalmatians. Derrick Bauer became an integral part of the operation at a young age because he and Garnie shared a passion for agriculture. 

Garnie and his father had a love of horses—something he later shared with his children. He was a member of the St. Croix Riders Saddle Club and its equestrian drill team with which he performed at the Minnesota State Fair on several occasions. 

In retirement, Garnie was a busdriver for the School District of Mondovi for 16 years, giving him the opportunity to support his children and many of his route riders at their athletic events.

While Nicole and Troy were in high school, Garnie enjoyed being a host dad to several exchange students: Artem, Max, Chen, J.C. and Pedro. He and Mary have stayed in touch with all of them in the years since. 

Garnie enjoyed playing cards with friends and family, as well as being a member of Beaches Corner Tractor Club and Heart of Michigan Antique Tractor Club. He drove his beloved Oliver 770 in many tractor rides, including nine times in the Mackinac Bridge Antique Tractor Crossing with family from Michigan. 

Garnie will be forever remembered for his love of “stories” and dedication to his family. He took great pride in being “Poppa” to his grandchildren. 

Garnie will be deeply missed by his wife, Mary Jo; children, Nicole (Dale Michael Jr.) Merrell and Troy (Stephanie) LaBair; grandchildren Brianne Merrell, Theodore and Abigail LaBair; sister, LuAnn (James) Payne; brother- and sister-in-laws, Deb (George) Niles, Edward (Stacey) Garlick, Mark (Nancy) Garlick, Bruce (Julie) Garlick, Joe (Sharon) Garlick; nieces and nephews; many other family members and friends.

Garnie was preceded in death by his parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, other family members and friends. 

A celebration of life will be held at Club Ten in Durand on Saturday, August 10, 2024, from 1-5 p.m. A memorial service with full military honors will take place at 2 p.m. 

The staff of Talbot Family Funeral Homes, Mondovi Chapel, assisted the family with arrangements.