Richard A. Laible, age 76, of Sheboygan, WI, passed away after a valiant battle with cancer, on
Saturday, December 1, 2018. He always had a positive attitude, never one to complain. He
fought his battle with silent dignity, strength, and determination which was true to his character.
Richard was born in Freeport, IL, on September 18, 1942, son of the late Raymond and Leona
(Drake) Laible. He graduated Freeport High School in 1960, went on to the University of Iowa
and graduated with a degree in Speech with a radio, television, film concentration. In between
his college studies, he was hired to work as a page on The Tonight Show in Burbank, CA. After
that, he returned home and went on to serve in the U.S. Army posted in Germany before
completing his degree from the University of Iowa.
He married Janet Whitney in 1965. Together they had two children, Randall and Claire.
In September, 1974, he married Linda Gessert in Milwaukee, WI, where they resided for one
year before moving to Chicago. He spent the majority of his career as an advertising and
marketing consultant. He worked on several advertising campaigns and brand designs for Frito
Lay, Pizza Hut, Hallmark Cards, Kraft Foods, S. C. Johnson, Ralston, Kimberly Clark, and
Sears.
During his career, he also worked as a producer for several television and radio commercials
including top brands such as McDonald's, American Family Insurance, Speed Queen, and Meijer
Stores.
After 34 years in Chicago, IL, Richard decided to semi-retire in 2008.
He and Linda moved to Sheboygan, WI. They became members of Holy Name of Jesus Catholic
Church where Richard enjoyed several involvements including choir, pastoral council, and bible
study.
During his period of semi-retirement, he did consulting work for Quad Joy, a Sheboygan WI,
company who created a computer mouse to assist people who are paralyzed. This was a passion
of Richard's as this technology assisted several veterans.
Richard is survived by his wife, Linda, his son Randall (Lisa) Laible, of Oak Park, IL, and
daughter Claire, (Charles) Cook, of Dubuque, IA, and grandchildren Kristen, Robert, and Max
Laible, and Murfee and Kelsey Cook. A brother James (Jean) Laible, sister Francine (Greg)
Wohlford.
He is also survived by nieces, a nephew, and other relatives and many friends. He is preceded in
death by his parents, Raymond and Leona Laible and in-laws Ernest and Marcella Gessert.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday afternoon, December 7 th , at 3:00 PM at Holy
Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Sheboygan, WI. Fr. Matthew J. Widder, Pastor of the Church
will officiate. Burial will be in the Plymouth Woodlawn Cemetery.
Friends may call at the CHURCH from 1:30 PM on Friday, December 7 th until the time of
services.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established in Richard's name and memorials can be
sent to the Suchon Funeral Home, PO Box 535, Plymouth, WI 53073.
The Suchon Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Plymouth is serving the family. For online
condolences, please visit www.suchonfh.com.
The family would like to thank Dr. H. Marshall Matthews and the entire staff at Matthews
Oncology Associates for their compassionate and excellent care. A special thank you to the
doctors and nursing staff serving the fourth floor at St. Nicholas Hospital. In addition to the
support in Sheboygan, Richard was also treated at the University of Arkansas Medical Center
Multiple Myeloma Institute in Little Rock with comprehensive care as well as Froedtert Hospital
in Milwaukee, WI. The family is also grateful for Fr. Matthew J. Widder and many friends for
their support and prayers over the course of Richard's fight to live with cancer.
