Laurel Gatz, age 84 of Bloomington, Minn., passed away on Saturday, November 30, 2024, after surviving lymphoma.
Laurel Shannon Ness was born September 21, 1940, in Spring Grove, Minn., the daughter of Arnold and Helen Thorson Ness. Laurel was baptized in the Black Hammer Lutheran Church.
She attended Black Hammer Country School and Spring Grove High School, graduating as salutatorian in 1958. Laurel attended the University of Minnesota and graduated from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa.
She taught elementary grades in the Osseo, St Louis Park, and Apple Valley Schools until she retired in 1999.
Laurel married Jerry Gatz on November 27, 1974. They made their home in Bloomington. Laurel and Jerry were members of Berea Lutheran Church in Richfield, Minn. She was elected president of the congregation and served on several committees, including Education.
Laurel and Jerry enjoyed trips to Alaska, Norway, Scandinavia, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Gatz family reunions in Texas.
They enjoyed restaurant dining, attending concerts and theater performances, and playing Bridge and golf.
Laurel was an only child and grew up and remained close to her parents, extended family, and Spring Grove.
Her husband and several cousins survive her. Her parents, aunts and uncles, and some cousins preceded her in death.
A worship service will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, January 28 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Spring Grove. Memorials may be sent to Berea Lutheran Church, 9308 Rich Valley Blvd., Inver Grove Heights, Minn. 55077. The service will be available on Facebook at the church site.
The burial will be in the Spring Grove Cemetery.
Roble Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.