Alex James Laffey

Alex James Laffey, 31, of Eau Claire, WI, passed away peacefully on September 4, 2026, at home, surrounded by the people who loved him most, after an over five-year journey with brain cancer.

Alex was born on August 22, 1995, in Sioux Falls, SD, to Dawn (Wermers) and Dion Laffey. He grew up in Eau Claire alongside his younger sister, Shelby Laffey. Alex attended St. James Elementary School and Regis Middle & High School, where he met his wife and many lifelong friends. Alex then attended UW-Stout, graduating with a degree in Manufacturing Engineering. While attending UW-Stout, Alex worked in the Machining Lab, where he loved helping other engineering students. Following graduation, Alex proudly became a Design Engineer for Curt Manufacturing.

Alex was devoted, witty, easygoing, and resilient. He had a gift of making people laugh with his unique sense of humor, and he was always at his best when he could bring a little joy to the people around him. For so many people, "Laff" wasn't just a nickname - It was exactly who he was. He was the calm in the chaos, but he never took life too seriously. He was the kind of person who could be a friend to anyone. Those who know him best knew they could always count on him, and he was one of the most loyal friends you could ever have.

Alex loved the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. He enjoyed hunting with his dad and family friends and took great pride in his "buck of a lifetime" harvest. Fly fishing was a particular favorite of his. He was also a big Packers fan and loved nothing more than heading to Lambeau Field for a game. He also enjoyed playing video games, especially with friends.

Alex's love story began in sixth grade, when he met Alexandra Beckfield, who, like him, went by Alex. By the time they were 13, they started dating, and from then on, the two were inseparable. Alex & Alex grew up through every stage of life side by side - going to every school dance together, cheering each other on through sports, activities, and milestones, and finding their way into countless adventures with friends. With two Alexes together, it didn't take long for them to be known as Alex².

What started as a childhood friendship grew into a lifelong love. They were first best friends, and then they became each other's forever. Alex proposed to Alexandra in October 2017, and they were married on June 29, 2019.

On August 16, 2023, Alex & Alex's greatest dream came true when Leo James was born. In the middle of the beautiful chaos that was their life, Leo became their light. Alex was incredibly proud to become a father, and there was no role he cherished more. From the moment Leo arrived, he had Alex's whole heart, and Alex loved nothing more than being his daddy.

Above all else, family and friends were at the center of Alex's life. So many of his favorite memories came from simply being with the people he loved - having a beer with his buddies, date nights with Alex, annual trips to Disney & Cocoa Beach, Florida, time at his parents' camper, showing up for his nieces' sporting events, performances, and milestones, hunting with his dad, Beckfield family Sunday dinners, fishing with friends & family, raising hell with his high school crew, or taking Leo to the playground and hearing "Daddy, watch this!" For Alex, it was never really about what they were doing; it was about who he was doing it with.

Alex was incredibly proud to be a husband, father, son, grandson, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend. He poured so much of himself into each of those roles, and he was proud of the life he built and the people he built it with. He was deeply loved, and he gave that same love right back. His impact on the people around him will last far beyond his years, and the memories, laughter, and the love he gave so freely will be carried with them always.

The family & friends of Alex would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the incredible teams who cared for Alex throughout his cancer journey. To his Mayo Clinic neuro oncology team, especially Dr. Ugur Sener, Mayo Clinic Home Health team, and St. Croix Hospice team, especially RN Miranda & aide Regan - Thank you for caring for Alex as a person - not just a patient, and for walking alongside our family through this journey. You became a part of our family's story, and we will carry our gratitude for you with us always.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Alex's memory to Reel Recovery, Lakken's Legacy, or the Regis Catholic Schools Foundation to help establish a memorial scholarship in Alex's honor.

A memorial mass will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, September 14, 2026 at St. Olaf Catholic Church, 3220 Monroe St. Eau Claire with Fr James Kurzynski officiating. Visitation will be held Sunday, September 13, 2026 from 2:00 pm-5:00 pm at Stokes, Prock & Mundt Funeral Chapel, 535 S. Hillcrest Pkwy, Altoona and Monday from 10:00 am-11:00 am at the church. Inurnment will take place at Lakeview Cemetery in Eau Claire.

Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona is assisting the family. Online condolences can be shared at www.cremationsociety-wi.com