Laura L. Christensen, age 84, of Twin Valley, MN, formerly of Waubun, MN, passed away on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at Sanford Hospice House in Fargo, ND.

Laura Louise Nohr was born on June 3, 1939, in Tower City, ND, to Fred and Lillian (Stanhope) Nohr, one of 10 children. The Nohr family later moved to Gary, MN, where they made their home on the farm. Laura was deeply involved in farm life, helping her father with various chores, including milking cows. She attended Gary High School, where her spirited nature shone through as a cheerleader, and she graduated with the class of 1956.

On June 6, 1958, Laura married her soulmate, Merlin Christensen, at Gary Lutheran Church. They initially lived in Waubun, where they ran the "West Side Market," before moving to Detroit Lakes, MN, where Laura worked at Kwako Drug. They eventually moved to Merlin's parents' farm outside Waubun, where Laura worked at Naytahwaush Industrial Sewing Factory and they started their family. They were blessed with four children: Kim, Sheila, David, and Sherri. In 1971, they settled just east of Waubun, and in 1978, Laura began a fulfilling career with Wild Rice Electric Company, retiring in 2003. Even after being diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia in the early 2000s, Laura's spirit remained unshaken. She continued to embrace life with unwavering positivity. In 2018, Laura and Merlin moved to Twin Valley, where they have called home since.

Laura found immense joy in quilting, spending countless hours in her sewing room crafting cherished quilts for her family. Her talents also extended to the kitchen, where she baked wonderful treats, always sending loved ones home with apple bars and caramel rolls. Her garden produced bountiful flowers and produce, always shared with her community in the form of canned goodies and cut flowers. Faith was central to Laura's life. She dedicated herself to her church, Circles of Faith United Church of Christ in Waubun, contributing in numerous ways, from baking pies for fundraisers to sewing banners and altar cloths, and reaching out to those in need with heartfelt letters. In 1985, the Christensen family welcomed Teri, an exchange student who became a beloved family member. Laura enjoyed traveling with Merlin, her sister Maxine, and Dale, creating memories in Florida, Hawaii, and Texas. She had a profound love for reading and treasured every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Laura was an active and cherished community member, involved over the years with the Waubun Homemakers, serving as a 4-H leader, and contributing to the Waubun American Legion Auxiliary. Despite life's challenges, Laura's upbeat and generous spirit remained steadfast. She was a beacon of hope, positivity, and love to all who knew her.

Laura is survived by her husband of 65 years, Merlin Christensen; daughter, Sherri (Dale) Rupprecht; daughter-in-law, Nicki Christensen; sisters: Betty Larson, Maxine Cariveau, Bonnie Awender, Karen Horn, Diane (Bob) Strommen, and Gail (Duane) Nephew; brother-in-law, Jim (Carol) Christensen; sisters-in-law, Zimmie Christensen and Sandy Thompson; bonus daughter, Teri Shiplett; and many beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren. Laura was greeted in heaven by her parents; in-laws, Milo and Verna Christensen; daughters, Kim Houglum and Sheila Christensen; son, David Christensen; brothers: Bob (Carma) Nohr, Gerald (Jan) Nohr, and Douglas Nohr; and brothers-in-law: Mervin Larson, Dale Cariveau , Robert Awender, John Christensen, and Dan Christensen.

The family requests that you consider a memorial in Laura's name to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at 1:00pm, with a visitation starting one hour before, at Circles of Faith United Church of Christ in Waubun, MN.