Date of Birth:
Saturday, August 27, 1938
Date of Death:
Friday, March 7, 2025
Age:
86 years old

Laureen Margaret Stelley

Laureen Margaret Stelley, 86, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2025, at Seasons Hospice House, surrounded by the love of her devoted family. Her peaceful departure marked the end of a remarkable life filled with love, devotion, and countless memories that will live on forever.

Born on August 27, 1938, in Primrose, Nebraska, Laureen was the third of five children born to Leona and Joseph Kraus. She graduated from Albion High School in 1955. Laureen married her lifelong partner, Bob Stelley, on December 10, 1955, beginning a 64-year journey of love, partnership, and shared accomplishments. Together, they moved to Minnesota and founded Stelley’s Pure Ice in 1968, followed by Westgate Service Center in 1976. Laureen also worked for many years in food service at Methodist Hospital.

A member of St. Francis Catholic Church, Laureen had been involved in the church’s rosary group and lived her faith daily. A lifelong Nebraska Husker fan, she remained loyal to her team, always excited to watch them play.

Laureen’s greatest joy, however, was her family. She and Bob had nine children: Jean (Scott) Larson, Judy Behnken, Jacquie (Ed) Fricker, Jill (Bill) Virden, Jeff (Connie) Stelley, Jim (Linda) Stelley, Janet (Gary) Gunderson, and Jon (Deanna) Stelley. Their son, James Robert, passed away in October 2023, as did their son, Jerry Robert, shortly after his birth in 1964. Laureen was the ultimate fan and cheerleader at all of her children’s events throughout her life, and she continued her unlimited support for all of her grandchildren in everything they did with the same commitment and enthusiasm. She was always the strong, stable and steady presence among her large, active family. Everyone could count on her dry wit and ready smile in all situations.

In addition to the love for her family, she also enjoyed her garden that attracted many bird varieties. She especially loved cardinals, and her family will forever think of her when they see a cardinal. Some of the other hobbies Laureen enjoyed throughout her life included bowling, traveling, and crocheting. She took pride in the accomplishment of crocheting an afghan and Christmas stocking for each of her children, creating another treasured heirloom for the family to enjoy.

Most of all, throughout her life, Laureen treasured the social interaction of family and friends, whether it was in the backyard of the family home, on the Mississippi River at their place in Wabasha, attending a child’s sporting event, out to dinner, or on the phone having conversations with distant family members. Her presence was felt everywhere she went, and her ability to make everyone feel special and loved was unmatched.

Laureen leaves behind 23 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild, each of whom adored her deeply. She is also survived by her brother, Dan Kraus, and her sister, Mary Lou Labenz. Laureen is preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Robert Stelley; her sons, James Robert and Jerry Robert; her son-in-law, Jeffrey Behnken; and her sisters, Betty and Monica.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home. Visitation is from 9:30-11:00 a.m. A luncheon is planned immediately following the service in the adjacent River Park Reception Hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials in honor of Laureen Stelley to Seasons Hospice, 1696 Greenview Drive SW Rochester, MN 55902 or online at www.seasonshospice.org

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com