Laurie was a retired medical receptionist with Pierce Family Practice/ Gobbo Internal Medicine. She had also worked for Nebraska Orthopedic (1979-1997).
Laurie was the most loving, kind, sweet, and beautiful woman. Her smile and personality would brighten anyone’s day and her faith shined brighter. She loved with her whole heart. Laurie made friends with everyone who crossed her path and made everyone she spoke to feel special. She was married to her husband Eric for 28 years. At every wedding, they would be tearing up the dance floor, they loved sharing life with each other. Her greatest joy was her daughter Emily, helping her with whatever season of life she was in, whether it was swimming, golf, band, or teaching. Laurie was the champion for Emily, her teammates, and her co-workers. She was a cheerleader for all her friends and family. From pee-wee football to college athletics, she attended every event. Laurie was a talented artist. Her friends and family benefited from her creative baking skills. Her cookies, cakes, and Christmas toffee were described as professional. She created elegant floral arrangements for everyone in every season. She was a faithful member of First Free Church for 27 years where she volunteered in children’s ministry, Respite Night, and other ministries. Laurie was the most positive, kindhearted, gentle, patient, and courageous warrior throughout her difficult fight with cancer. Most importantly to her, she became a prayer warrior of God. When most people would be thinking of themselves, she was thinking and praying for others.
Family members include her loving husband, Eric; daughter Emily; mother Margie Mertens; mother-in-law JoAnn Williams; father-in-law Sonny Williams; mother-in-law Susan Broadway; father-in-law Doug Broadway; brothers Bill (Bonnie) Mertens and Pat (Cathy) Mertens; sister Mary Mertens; sisters-in-law Julie (Dana) Morrow and Susan Whipple-Rutledge, brothers-in-law Jason (Beth) Whipple and Gene True; numerous nieces and nephews; great nieces and great nephews; her dog and best friend Murphy. Preceded in death by her father Edwin, father-in-law Wallace Whipple, brother Steve Mertens, sister Kathy True, and nephew Justin Smith.
Celebration of Life will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday (10-29-22) First Evangelical Free Church, 3280 S. 84th St.
Visitation with family present will be from 5-7 pm Friday (10-28-22) Roper and Sons South Lincoln Chapel, 3950 Hohensee Drive.
Memorials to Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund, 42395 Ryan Road, Ste 112-242, Ashburn, Virginia 20148 or at johnnymac.org