Roger LaBeck Obituary

Still think about you every day.

Dad,
So many things that I want to say to you,but there's not a book that is big enough to fit it all in. I will just tell you here that I miss you and Love you.

Jim

Hey Dad,
Just sitting here thinking of you

Well Nicole finally got the chance to play again. You would have been proud, after not seeing live pitching since Feb. she had 5 hits and 4 RBI's. She also (sorry to say) 6 K's against some of the faster pitchers. Her fielding was pretty good I think only one error. Wish you could have been there(I know you were).
Miss Ya and we'll talk soon JIM

Hey Dad, Well Nicole finally gets to play softball this weekend. I'll let you know how it goes

Hey Dad,
Just wanted to let you know that Cody Got a scholarship to Harper College and all he has to do is buy his books. I know you would be very proud of him as are Laurie and myself. Nicole's knee surgery is coming along nicely and she will be back to her old self soon. Just wanted to update you on a few things, I'll stop by soon to see ya
Love Jim

Hi Uncle Buck,

Just wanted to let you know that I have been thinking a lot about you, Grandma & Grampa lately. I have had such a hard time being stuck in Florida and I know that all of you have been watching over me. Thank you for giving me the strength I need to make it through because now I am moving home! Hope your having fun playing cards with Grandma, Grandpa and Aunt Lou! I love you all!

Lisa

PS. My dad is still having a very hard time...please send a little strength his way.

Hey Gramps,

Just dropping by to say hello. Just been thinking about you a lot lately, and I still really miss you.
Im going to miss you a lot on both Good Friday and my Birthday.

I've been watching a lot of old home videos lately. Gram dropped them off one day and boy, did we have a lot of fun all the time!

Well i just wanted to stop by and say hello

Love, Cody

Merry Christmas Dad,
We all got together last night at mom's to celebrate christmas just like we always do. The young ones were as excited as could be when santa dropped off a gift for them. For me it's just not the same without you. I missed your excitement and just hearing your voice.
Laurie and me got mom a new digital camera and I hope it's easy enough for her to use. They are going to go to some photo classes to learn how to use them.
Love you and miss you Merry Christmas.

Dear Buck:
On this special day - your birthday - you are in our thoughts and prayers, along with Penny, your sons & daughters-in-law, your grandchildren, and all your family and friends who you loved so much.

We will always remember you as that gentle and caring guy who went out of your way being kind and supportive of others. Please continue to watch over Penny and your entire family as you always have, touching each of their lives in your own way.

Thank you for so many years of friendship and for being such an inspiration to all of us. We Love You!
With Love & Hugs, Ron & Julie

Happy Birthday!! Thinking about you a lot lately with so much going on but this is your day. Just to give you an update I'm coming to the cemetary today, hopefully they will have your headstone on so I will be at the right place, but I know you will know I'm there. I missed you asking how the turkey was coming on Thanksgiving. Went to Ethans' birthday party yesterday. Saturday Tom & Lynn are having Madison & Zachs party Joe & Patti are having the LaBeck Party here on the 13th then Christmas Eve. Laurie took me to Gurnee Mills on the 20th and I went with Kay to the Odem on the 21st. You would think with so much to do I wouldn't have time to think, but you are the first one I think of each morning and the last one at night. John gave each of us an ornament of rememberance of you yesterday. It will go on the tree when I get it up. (which has to be by the 13th) Wow getting close! On the 18th Tom will turn 40, thought Lynn would have something but guess too much is going on. Jim and Laurie now have 2 dogs. Jim said he would put a switch in the basement to turn on the lights instead of those pull chains. As I said I'coming to see you today and the last time I was there your boys said they were coming too but plans change so I'm not sure. I cleasned up the basement pretty well putting all the boxes of plates under the steps will give more room for the Xmas party. Tom cleaned my rugs and helps a lot with day to day things. It would have been so much better if it had been me instead of you because I hate having to ask the kids to do things that I can't manage. I know I'm rambling but while I'm writing this it almost feels like one of our morning conversations. I love you miss you and think about you more than anyone can imagine. Pen

Hey Dad,
Just wanted to say happy birthday. I'm going to come by and see you and have a beer with you. Make sure you watch over everybody this holiday season. I love you and miss you, seems like more every day.
Jim
P.S. get the lottery numbers for me

Dad,

Just want you to know that I think about you everyday, especially today. Happy Birthday!

Love and miss you,

Tom

Grampy,

I still have a hard time believe that your not with us anymore. Just the other day i was looking forward to Thanksgiving with the whole family. I know that we may not be able to see you, but i know you will be sitting in the same seat that you've always sat at on the end of the table, laughing and talking with all of us still.

I'm probably going to be saying the same things over and the same things I mentioned last time, but it keeps me strong and i know thats what you want us all to be. Your always in my mind, and no matter what i do, i'm always thinking of you. Your always my last thought as i go to sleep. I miss you more than anyone can imagine. I just got a 100% on a essay i wrote for school. As soon as i got my paper back the first thing i said to myself was "Grampy is proud of me".

I also heard grammy say that i'm going to be moving up to the adult table at thanksgiving this year. I'm glad that I am finally able to join everyone this year. My one wish though, would to have you sit right beside me, more than anything in the world.

Just wanted to stop by and give my little update on things. I'm always thinking of you and miss you dearly. Enjoy your thanksgiving!

Love,
Cody

It's almost Thanksgiving and it is getting harder and harder to think about you not being here. We will get thru it because their is no choice in the matter. I have been thinking about what there is to be thankful for this year, and my list is of course first and formost our sons, grandchildren and daughters. Also for the very good friends that we both have had over many years. Even though you will not be here physically I know in my heart that you will be with us in spirit. I guess that I should be very thankful that I had you for as long as I did, but I sure wish it could have been longer. Some days I just sit and think of all the good times we had together especially after you retired. So I am also thankful that we had the last 12 or 13 years where we pretty much did as we wanted. Writing this makes me realize just how good a life we had. I am glad you are in a better place but that doesn't mean that I wouldn't do anything in my power to bring you home again. I love you and I miss you but then you were always very easy to love. Please look over us an help us get thru these holidays. Looking forward to being with you when the time comes. Happy Thanksgiving. My only regret is that I didn't get the turkey when you wanted me to. Good Night, Sleep Tight. Pen

Dad:

Well it's been 2 months and it feels like just yesturday we were sitting on Splash Mountain having a great time. There have been so many great times over the years that it is hard to beleive they will be no more.

I can't express enough how truly wonderful it has been to be a part of the family. It is an extra honor for me to have had your 1st born grandchild. I will never ever forget the look on yours & moms face when you held Cody for the 1st time in the delivery room. It is truly an honor to have that memory - plus countless others.

As the holidays approach, we will band together and make it somehow, we have to. But boy it is difficult to think about, you are so greatly missed!!!!!

I watch your Sons, Grandchildren and Ma struggle at times and it only goes to show the impact you left on our lives and now it is a empty space, but for the memories.

I found something the other day that reminded me of you:

"Perhaps they are not stars,
but rather openings in Heaven
where the love of our lost one
pours through and shines down
upon us to let us know they are
Happy"

I will think of you whenever I see a star.

I am sorry it ended this way Dad, I know the pain for you is now gone, but ours now begins. I have no doubt you would live with a little of the pain to stay here, as we would all endure some pain to keep you here.

I think of you daily, I miss you daily and I now understand the feeling of "a piece of us is missing".

I know you will be watching us these next few weeks as we struggle to get through the season - THANK YOU for everything you did, everything you were and for letting me be a part of such a great family!!

Love You - Miss You Always (oh-say hi to Taz for us will ya).

Laurie

Hey Babe, Went to the cemetary today. Before coming to see you I went to both of our parents graves. I did a lot of talking (what else is new, you always said you couldn't get a word in edgewise with me) so most of what I had to say was done so in private. I will say that for all the time we were together I NEVER remember you ever saying NO to anything I wanted to do or buy. In fact if I even looked at anything I can still hear you say "If you like it get it" I know you told me not to cry 0r break down during this time, and I have tried not to, but it is very hard and it seems like it is getting harder instead of easier. I also know that it's only been a month but I miss you so much. Good Night, Sleep Tight. I love you and always will. I have all of our memories to tide me over until we are together again. Pen

Dear Gramps,
I think that I'm finally ready to write here. I don't even know where to start. You have been there for me ever since I was a little kid, no matter what it was, you were there for me and supported me through everything. I can't remember a time where you ever got mad at somebody and stayed mad at them. You were always a happy man no matter the situation. I am proud to say that I am a LaBeck because of you, the happiest man in the world. I'm glad that I have the honor of being your first grandchild and being one of the few you chose to carry you to a better place.You never gave up fighting gramps, I know you didn't, and I know that you didnt want to miss everything that you did this past year. It was always hard to go somewhere such as a family party and not see you there. Til the very end, you were always the same grampy to me no matter what kind of day it was for you.
I think the hardest thing for me now is thinking back to all the good times we all had together as a family. Easter, one of my favorite holidays ever since I was little, coloring eggs never got old. 4th of July was very big for all of us. Im very upset that I never truly got to learn how to grill from you. Thanksgiving will be very hard without you, and your birthday will be the hardest. Finally christmas. I can still remember your voice every christmas when you would call out the name of who's present you had. Everyone of these holidays were very special to me and never would have changed a thing. Things are just going to be very hard without you.
Im also upset that we didnt get to go golfing one last time. I was hoping that you would have some strength again 1 last time to go golfing, because i know you loved to golf no matter who it was with or how you were doing. You were my one true golf partner and I will miss that.

Once again gramps, you were a true hero to me with the amount of strength you had and fought with. I love you so much, and there is not a single day that goes by that I don't think of you. I miss you beyond belief and wish you didn't have to go, but I'm glad that you don't have to suffer anymore and are in a better place.

Love now and forever,
Cody

Dad,
People are always talking about heros being someone who runs into a burning building, or protecting our country. These people are probably heros but I have a different definition now. My hero is you, because not only did you pass away with diginity, you did it with grace. You never complained or wanted anybody to feel sorry for you and that shows me that you were brave and strong. You passed away with your family at your side, hopefully you knew we were there. Your brother was with as much as he could be, your friends came to see you and your nieces all took time to come and see you. I guess what I'm trying to say is that you're a hero because so many people cared about you and that you touched them all in some way.

I remember Buck. I remember all the fun and laughs and friendship we shared on our trips and during our dinner and Holiday parties. Buck was the best host, always making sure everyone had what they needed. Most of all, I remember his warm and loving smile. He had it even during his most difficult days. I remember Buck with Love and Tears and Joy. Peace be with you, Buck.

Dear Buck -- You will always be remembered as a wonderful man and great brother-in-law. I cried at your passing, but am relieved you are no longer suffering. There are many memories spanning the nearly 50 years since you and Priscilla started dating; I hope you know how much you were loved by all. Watch over your family and friends from the heavens above -- they love you so much. Eternally in our hearts....Love Judy and Tom

Roger
As parents/grandparents we had alot in common that go back years.
We will miss you dearly,but I know you will be present at all family events, Roger you would be proud of Penny,Roger,John,Jim,Tom. We will all go on with the many great memories we have or shared. Take Care

John/Carol

Grampy,
Its been a little over a week now and i have made it through the hard part. Even though your nto here anymore i know i can remember the good times. the hard times are gone dont be looking into the past look forward. I know you will be looking down watching over the family like you always have done look after the family. I never want to forget the good times we had grampy. So i will miss you and i love always and forever.

dad,
Let's see if i can get make it through this time. When we lost you I also lost my partner in Bar-B-Queing I won't be able to take over when your in the middle of cooking ribs,chicken,burgers, or any kind of sausage. Nicole's birthday party is this weekend and I know you will be there with us. I could'nt have asked for a better father or BBQ partner. Ilove you and miss you.
your son Jim

Hi Babe, It's been one week ago today since you left us. I want you to know that things are being taken care of in a manner that I am sure you would approve of. Everyone has been very supportive of our family. I went to see Lauren's horseback riding lessons today. She is doing great. Tomorrow I am going to watch Ethan play football against Plainfield. Sunday is Nicole's birthday party. I talked to Dick and I want to see him and Joan soon. Every one misses you tremendously. Love ya, Pen

Dear Auntie Penny & all the LaBeck clan,

I just wanted to extend my deepest sympathies to each of you. Uncle Buck was a great man but now he is in a better place and I know he is watching over all of us. It is times like this that you realize how important family is...it is truly the only thing that matters in this world. So pull together and you will find a way to get through this. Just know that I am here if you need anything. I love you all!

Dear Penny & the Boys:
After 42 years of sharing our lives with Buck, it is very hard to say Good-By. We have shared so many Good Times and very few bad ones. He fought hard and lost, but will always have a place in our hearts; so I guess he really did not lose at all. It's our loss and we will get thru it because we all have such a Bond, that is so Special, and it will carry us thru. We Love you all.

Dear Uncle Buck,
What else can I say about a man who brought so much joy to his family!! The grace and courage you showed through this difficult time has been an inspiration to all of us! I looked around at all the friends and family that have gathered in your honor and was proud to say I was your niece. Though there were tears, there were also funny stories and happy memories to help take away the pain. Those are the stories that will help everybody get through this time. Though I am sad to lose you, I am happy to have you and Grandma and Grandpa and Aunt Lou watching out for us all - well if you have time to watch over us in between card games and Yahtzee. Please send your strength and courage to Aunt Penny and the Boys and their families!! My love and support goes to you all!!
All My Love - Karen
(Steve, Mackenna, Justin & Jason too)

Grandpy,
Today i went to school and there was an assembly and we were told that we should tell five people that we love how much they really mean to us. I'd like you to know that you were one of my five. I'd also like you to know that i got a homecoming dress and im sure youv'e already seen it. Grammy thinks i look wonderful in it.
First off You have fought a great fight in the last year. I'm so glad that you are in peace looking down on all of us. You are one of my heros. I know we didn't say i love you very much in this family and i know in the last couple of weeks youl've heard it out of my mouth. i love you with all my heart grampy. i will never forget all the amazing memories we have had together. We all know that there will never be another game of marco polo without you in our minds. i'll see you when it's my turn.
I'm so proud to call myself your grand daughter.
love always, sara

dear grammpy, thank you for all the good times we had together. i hope you remeber all the good times like gingerbread houses, coloring easter eggs , and 4 of july party. i hope you feel better . From, joe. p.s we will all miss you soooo much

Remembering Roger as a fellow White Capper and outfielder with our softball team the "Demons". My sympathies to his family and to all who enjoyed his time with us.

Dear LaBeck Family,
You have my sincere condolences on the loss of your father. May your memories bring you comfort at this time.

To the LaBeck Family,

In some crazy way - our families grew up together. Giles, Leigh, Ridgewood and then White Cap - and Roger was always there cheering his family on !
Never easy bridges to cross - Our deepest sympathy & prayers go out to all of you !

David & Terri Persino

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Roger it was great working with you all those years.You always cared for the people that worked for you,but what came first in your life was your family hands down. You were one of the best athlete I knew.I bet you are getting a golf game going now I am better for knowing you bye

Uncle Buck,
I can't tell you how hard it is to say good-bye to the Uncle who was with me through so many times in my life. You were there smiling at my Christening and the Christenings of my children. You were there at every graduation and you danced at my wedding. Sharing birthday parties and those amazing Christmas Eve Celebrations at grandma's house will be memories that I cherish forever.
You fought so hard and with so much courage and determination. Your quiet grace through all of your struggles is inspirational to all of us.
They say that it isn't the "years" in your "life" that matter, but the "life" in your "years". I believe that you lived the life of many in all that you had accomplished. The people you loved and mentored will remember you always and you will be missed more than words can say.
Give our love to grandma, grandpa, Aunt Lou and all of those crazy relatives that have gone before you. They are lucky to have you now!
I hope that Aunt Penny and the boys know that their cousins are all here for them. For anything. Anytime.
God bless you, Uncle Buck

A great supervisor and coworker. My sympathies.

To Dick: I didn't know Roger but remember many good times with you. You helped break me in to White Cap and taught me card games to take my money, as well as the business.

Thinking of Roger and his family during this time of griefing. May God bless all!!

Hey Gramps,

I make Travel Baseball just like you said I would so I guess you were a very wise man. I know you fought hard throughout the cancer and I want you to know that I fought it with you the whole way. I'll remember you forever and always in my heart.

Love ya,
Ethan The Great

Penny, Roger, John, Jim, Tom and family.

Our dearest and deepest condolences to all of you at this time. Mr. L was a great person and he will be missed by many including my family. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you always.

Love, John & Kelly Burns

Dad,

I just wanted you to know that if the measure of a man is determined by the family that he raised and the friends that he made then you must have been doing something right for the last 70 years. I can honestly say that I have never heard anyone say a bad thing about you in all those years and with you coaching youth baseball that says alot! I think that you know that you created four sons in your image and even if we might have a little bit of Mom's temperment the core values that you instilled are all there.
I am glad that you are at peace now and hope that all the pain and suffering of the last year have been taken away. Don't worry about Mom, she has a wide range of friends and family to get her thru the rough times that will come up. You know that we will all make sure that she is well taken care of.

I hope that I can leave the same impression on my children as you left on me. You truly made me grab the bull by the horns and become that responsible father and husband that I feel I have become.

Make sure that you look after Mom from up there and remember that Grandpa always likes to play that One eyed jacks get half the pot game. Have a can of Schlitz with Aunt Lu and keep a watchful hand over us.

Thanks for everything Dad, I'll always love you.

Joe

Buck, I know that you know how much I have always loved you. I also know how hard you have fought to stay and take care of me, and to see your grandchildren grow up. I am so happy we were all together at the end and I know that you are in a better place but it is so hard coming down in the morning and wanting to walk into your room to say Hi or to go to bed without saying Good Night. I will always love you! Pen

Dad, I hope you know how much I loved you and how great you were to everyone. I know you went through alot this last year and you did all you could to stay longer with us but we all know we have a time to go All I know is that we had many great times together and with all of our families So now I will say my good-bye to you now and always know that I loved you very much. Love you dad

Penny, Joe, John, Jim and Tom,

We know how difficult the last year has been for all of you. We are also deeply saddened. But we have many happy memories of good times together. The memory of him will always be in our hearts.

Ted and Mary Ann

Dad,

You were not only my father, but my best friend and there are no words to describe what you meant to me. You were always there when I really needed you. You taught me to live my life the right way and I hope that I do as good as job as a father as you did. Besides being my father and friend, I also had the joy of having you as one of my coaches, my mentor (softball), and the best boss I have ever worked for. You never missed any games that I ever played in. I could always look into the stands and find you. You made sure that you never missed a game. I wish I could tell you how much that meant to me. You always put family first and would do anything for us even if it meant you had to sacrifice something for yourself. I was very fortunate to be able to spend so much time with you recently and I will treasure every moment we had. I will do my best to make sure Mom is taken care of because I know thats what you wanted. I going to miss you and being selfish I wish you were still here, but I know you are in a better place and will be with me when I need you.

I love you and I always will.

Your son,
Tom

Dad, just wanted to say thanks for being as strong and brave as you were during the last year. I will miss you very much.

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.