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Loretta “Laurie” Germanson, age 89, died on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at WellHaven Senior Living in River Falls. She was born the daughter of John and Marcia (nee Mountain) Panian on October 2, 1935 in Saint Paul, MN. Laurie grew up on the east side of Saint Paul. She graduated from Harding High School in 1953. Laurie then graduated from College of Saint Theresa in Winona, MN with a Bachelor of Science and later received her master’s degree from the University of Minnesota. She also received certification from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Laurie was a teacher of education in Saint Paul Public Schools, US Air Force in France, and an instructor for University of Minnesota and University of Wisconsin River Falls.
She married Mel Germanson on October 22, 1966 in Saint Paul. Laurie volunteered with the Saint Bridget Council of Catholic Women, Hospital Auxiliary, Library Foundation, “Hen Club” Book Club, and College of Saint Theresa Alumni Association. She was also active in the Saint Bridget Catholic Church. She loved playing bridge and cards. Both Mel and Laurie enjoyed traveling and going to Badger v.s. Gopher Football games. Laurie loved having dinner parties with friends and family. Laurie was caring and selfless. Her favorite title was being a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Laurie’s faith and Irish family heritage were important to her.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Mel; parents, John and Maricia Panian; brother, Donald and George Panian; sister, Kathryn (Walt) Lundberg; brother-in-law, Harry Churchill. Laurie is survived by her three boys, David (Arica) of Balsam Lake WI, Steven (Darla) of Woodville WI, Thomas (Karen) of Rice Lake WI; grandchildren, Ethan, Abby, Caleb, Luke, and Blake; siblings, Elaine Churchill, John (Audrey) Panian; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Memorials may be directed to Saint Bridget Catholic Church.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, February 3, 2025 at 11:00AM at Saint Bridget Catholic Church (211 E Division Street River Falls WI 54022) with a visitation starting at 9:00AM. Interment was in Greenwood Cemetery in River Falls. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
3 Comments
I’m so sorry to read of Laurie’s passing. She and I met when I used to stop at the local coffee shop while my kids were at preschool. She and Mel would be there with their other retiree friends. When we discovered that we both were avid readers, that became our frequent topic—books we were enjoying, book reviews, and book suggestions. She was a lovely lady and I’m so glad our paths crossed. Wishing her family and friends peace and comfort at this difficult time.
She was great lady so sweet
Please accept my deepest sympathy on Laurie’s passing and know she was loved. My prayers are with all of you at this time of grief. God be with you all.
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