Obituary: Wacie Laabs

Provided Photo
May 30, 1988 – July 19, 2026
Wacie Sheyne Laabs, 38, beloved son of Duane Laabs and Sonja Brown, passed away peacefully at his mother’s home in Craig, Colorado.
From a young age, Wacie had a clear vision of his future. At just 10 years old, he announced his dream of becoming a Marine. He never wavered from this aspiration, enlisting in the delayed entry program at the age of 16, even before obtaining his driver’s license.
Wacie graduated from Moffat County High School in 2006, where he excelled in wrestling, football, and baseball.
Following his graduation, Wacie served in the Marine Corps., as a machine gunner from June 2006 to 2010, completing tours in Iraq (2007/2008) and Afghanistan (2009/2010).
He continued, his service in the Marine Corps, reserve from 2011 to 2012 in Michigan. Earning the rank of Sergeant and an honorable discharge in 2012.
Wacie moved to Washington State, where he met his future wife, Inna. Their union brought forth a beautiful daughter, Olivia Winter Laabs, (OWL) born in Spokane, Washington.
Wacie attended Montana University in 2018 and 2019 before returning to his hometown.
He began his law enforcement career as a Community Service Officer and Patrol Officer for the City of Craig. Wacie was dedicated to his community, achieving the Top Gun award at the police academy and earning certifications as a Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST) Instructor, Drug Recognition Expert (DRE), and Taser Gun Instructor. His mission was clear: to rid “his town” of drugs.
His outstanding service earned him several accolades, including Officer of the Year and four Life Saving Awards.
An outdoor enthusiast, Wacie loved spending time at the cabin with his dad, grandpa, uncles, and cousins.
He was known for his comedic spirit, sharing countless YouTube and TikTok videos with friends. You knew you were truly his friend if you received thousands of youtube & tik tok videos on a weekly basis
He was also an avid reader, having reached a college-level reading ability in junior high.
Wacie was the only grandson, sharing a special bond with his Grammy.
He loved his family immensely, and his selfless, kind, intelligent, and humorous nature endeared him to all.
Wacie had a remarkable ability to touch the hearts and souls of those around him, and he will be missed immensely.
He is survived by his daughter, Olivia Laabs, parents, Duane Laabs (Melanie) and Sonja Brown, (Robert), Grandparents Bryan Harder, Donald Laabs and Patricia Pearce, his beloved dog Elway, numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
He is preceded in death by his beloved grammy, Sherron Harder, Grandfather Richard Pearce, and Grandmother Linda Laabs.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Sat., Aug. 1, 2026, at The Journey at First Baptist. Interment will follow at Craig Cemetery.

Support Local Journalism
Support Local Journalism
Readers around Craig and Moffat County make the Craig Press’ work possible. Your financial contribution supports our efforts to deliver quality, locally relevant journalism.
Now more than ever, your support is critical to help us keep our community informed about the evolving coronavirus pandemic and the impact it is having locally. Every contribution, however large or small, will make a difference.
Each donation will be used exclusively for the development and creation of increased news coverage.









