Douglas Walter Labs

Douglas Walter Labs passed away Monday afternoon, May 13, 2024, at the Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato, Minnesota.

Douglas was born in Waseca, Minnesota, on January 4, 1948, to Walter and Alice (Tollefson) Labs. He spent his childhood and school years in Waterville, Minnesota, graduating in 1967.

He was inducted into the U.S. Army on August 9, 1967, earning the rank of Specialist 4, and serving in Vietnam. Doug was awarded the National Defense Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was honorably discharged on July 31, 1969.

Doug married Elizabeth Backman on August 9, 1973, and fathered four daughters. He worked for Kato Engineering for many years. The family lived in Waterville, Elysian, and Mankato during their marriage.

Doug is survived by daughters Melissa Naylon (Scott), Jessica Labs, Harriet Labs and her partner Jeremiah Lillo; grandchildren Jonathan, Kailee, Keasten and Korbin; brother Timothy and wife Sandy.

He was preceded in death by his wife Elizabeth, daughter Samantha, and his parents. 

The family would like to personally thank the ICU team at Mayo.