Laureen E. Puetz

Laureen Elaine Puetz, 65, of Wyndmere, ND passed away on Saturday, March 23rd, 2024. Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 28th from 5:00-7:00 pm at Vertin-Munson Funeral Home in Wahpeton, ND. The Celebration of Life will be Friday, March 29th, 2024 at 10:30 am, with visitation one-half hour before the service at the funeral home. Burial will be at St. John the Baptist Cemetery in Wyndmere. Lunch will be provided at the Wyndmere Community Center following the burial. In honor of Laureen's love for Bison clothing and the color purple, we kindly request guests to consider incorporating these elements into their attire as a tribute to her.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Vertin-Munson Funeral Home, Wahpeton.

 Laureen Elaine Puetz was a compassionate soul who touched the lives of many. She was born in Hankinson, ND on February 19th, 1959 to Harry and Gloria (Sheppard) King. Laureen, and her cherished siblings, were raised on the King Farm, north of Wyndmere, and attended Wyndmere Public School. Growing up on the farm instilled in her a life-long passion for nature. Her love for animals, especially cats, remained a constant source of comfort and companionship throughout her life. Laureen's kindness extended beyond furry friends; it permeated every aspect of her being.

 On June 25th, 1977, Laureen married Greg Puetz in the Wyndmere Catholic Church. Together they made a home in Medicine Bow, WY for two years, and in 1980, they moved back home to take over the Puetz Family farm. There they raised 5 children, before handing it down to the 5th and 6th generation. Laureen was a devoted mother, who was constantly immersed in sports and activities- always at the games, away and home, cheering on her family’s teams. She was involved in the Wyndmere Legion Women’s Auxiliary, and the McLeod VFW Auxiliary and was always there with a helping hand, at fund-raisers and community events.

 For two decades from 1995, to 2015, Laureen dedicated herself to caring for others, first as a home-living assistant and later as a teaching paraprofessional at the Circle of Nations Wahpeton Indian School. Working with the students was not merely a job but a calling, driven by her genuine affection and unwavering commitment to making a positive difference. Her presence is remembered by many, as her kindness helped to shape so many lives.

 Having always been deeply involved in the Native Community, volunteering her time and efforts to uplift those around her, seemed to come easily. Her selflessness knew no bounds, and her generosity touched the hearts and souls of all ages. She was involved in the Native American Commission and is a proud member of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Tribe.

 When not in the classroom, Laureen found solace in the beauty of nature. She cherished wintering in Mazatlán, Mexico, where she could bask in the warmth of the sun. She enjoyed playing golf with friends and attending musical events. Summers were spent on the lakes in Ottertail County, MN, creating cherished memories and traditions with her beloved grandchildren.

 Greg and Laureen started Dakota Country Crane Service in 2009. Laureen managed the financial intricacies of the crane business with precision and dedication and contributed to its success as a valued bookkeeper. She took great pride and enjoyment building the family business, and was happy to work alongside her children.

 Laureen's hobbies reflected her zest for life and her deep-rooted connection to her family and community. She found excitement in attending rodeos, football games, pow-wows, and her love of travel took her far and wide, often to cheer on her grandchildren in their various sports endeavors. Whether tending to her garden, engrossed in a good book, or casting her line into the water, Laureen radiated joy in every endeavor, and always had a knack for making the best of each day.

 Laureen will be remembered as the epitome of kindness, generosity, and love. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched and the profound impact she made on her community. She leaves behind a treasure trove of memories that will be cherished by her family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to have known her.

 Laureen will be missed by her husband of nearly 47 years, Gregory; her children, Elise Pomager (Joe), Aurora, CO, Curt Puetz, Mantador, ND, Zach (Ashley) Puetz, Wyndmere, ND, Nicole Hills, Rifle, CO, Crystal (Chris) Leever, Columbia Falls, MT, and Sheyenne Puetz, Fargo, ND; her grandchildren: Emmerson, Abbigail, Ella, Jayden, Kyra, Haven, Tucker, Noah, Kalo, Paxton, Owen, and Kori; her siblings, Bernard King, Lenore King, Leila (Paul) Ptacek, Lynette (Bill Olson) Pinkham; many friends who she called sisters, and her many cherished nieces and nephews.