Laurie Skalsky Sams, 60, Columbia Heights, MN, formerly of Dilworth, MN, died Friday, September 23, 2016, at Crest View Lutheran Homes, in Columbia Heights.

Laurie Lynae Skalsky was born on July 1, 1956, in Ada, MN, the oldest and only daughter to Larry and Gloria (Cirks) Skalsky. She later moved with her family to the Dilworth area where she graduated from Dilworth High School with the class of 1975.

She had worked as an aid in nursing homes in Fargo-Moorhead for a number of years. Laurie was united in marriage to Robert Ackerland and they lived in Idaho and Montana. Robert died in 1985. Laurie later moved to the Minneapolis area and resided in Columbia Heights for the last several years. She had married Jeffrey Sams, but they later divorced.

Laurie enjoyed art and music. She would play the piano at the nursing home and for senior events. She is survived by her parents: Larry and Gloria of Dilworth, MN, her brothers: Kevin (Marianne), Joel (Carole), Todd (Chris), Jason, all of Dilworth, and Timothy (Kirsten) of Parkers Prairie, MN, 9 nieces and nephews, and several cousins. She was preceded in death by her grandparents and two children, Timothy Jason Ackerland and Scott Adam Ackerland.

Memorial Service: 11:00 Friday, September 30, 2016, at Dilworth Lutheran Church, Dilworth, MN.

Visitation: One hour before the service.

Interment: Ada Municipal Cemetery, Ada, MN.