Date of Birth:
Thursday, April 5, 1945
Date of Death:
Sunday, February 8, 2026
Age:
80 years old

Laura L. Fritts

Laura Lee (Hain) Fritts – Rochester, MN

Laura Lee Fritts, 80, of Rochester, MN, died Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Mayo Clinic Hospital St. Mary’s Campus.

Laura was born Laura Lee Sanders on April 5, 1945, in Long Beach, CA to Leroy and Barbara (Petersen) Sanders. She later took the name Hain, to honor her stepfather, Fred Hain. In 1963, Laura graduated from John Marshall High School, in Rochester, MN. On August 24, 1963, she married David Ernest Fritts at Homestead United Methodist Church in Rochester, MN. The couple started their family in Rochester and remained there for the rest of their days together. Laura shared her creative talent with the Rochester community through her work as a ceramics instructor. She later obtained her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license and devoted her life to caring for the elderly.

Laura was an amazing hostess and enjoyed cooking and baking delicious creations to share. Appreciative of natures beauty, she adored chickadees, bonfires, and camping trips. Laura was vivacious and enjoyed activities such as catching the latest soap opera episode, watching sci-fi movies, playing cards, reading spiritual books, going on whimsical shopping trips, and thrifting. She could often be found cozied up with her coffee, playing The Sims, wearing her warm fuzzy socks, petting her fur babies, and enjoying anything chocolatey.

Laura had a particular soft spot for God’s creatures, great and small, and was known for rescuing and caring for countless animals throughout her life. She had an unwavering loyalty to her family and loved fiercely. She brought light and laughter into the lives of everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Her infectious smile, bright blue eyes, and beautiful soul lit up any room. Laura made this world a more beautiful place, and she will be deeply missed.

She is survived by her husband, David Fritts of Rochester, MN; son, Shean (Karen) Fritts of Rochester, MN; daughter, Tanya Burrington of Rochester, MN; brother, David Hain of Kasson, MN; sister, Cindy Rose of Black River Falls, WI; grandsons, James Lacey of Rochester, MN and Shane (Shawna) Burrington of Rochester, MN; granddaughters Amber (Jeff) Fieck of Hayfield, MN, and Nicole (Isaiah) Olson of Red Wing, MN; and six great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her brother, Lauren (Carolyn) Hain of Byron, MN; and son-in-law, James (Tanya) Burrington of Rochester, MN.

In accordance with Laura’s wishes, cremation has taken place via Macken Funeral Home. Following cremation, a celebration of life will take place at Zadeos Pizza, 1021 15th  Ave SE Rochester, Minnesota, on Sunday, February 15, 2026, from 11:00 AM until 3:00 PM. Burial will take place on a later date at Byron Cemetery in Byron, MN.