Beloved Matriarch Laurie Staab Passes Away at 73

Laurie Staab, a devoted wife, mother, and cherished member of her community, passed away peacefully at the age of 73 on September 13, 2025. Her husband, Gary L. Staab, was by her side at the time of her passing. Born on August 8, 1952, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, she dedicated her life to her faith, family, and a career in advertising, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew her.

Growing up in a loving family, Laurie was the daughter of Reverend Harold K. Emerson and Joy N. Emerson (née Flegel). Her strong Christian faith was the cornerstone of her life, guiding her in service to others. On July 29, 1972, she married her high school sweetheart, Gary, marking the beginning of a partnership that spanned over five decades. Together, they created a warm and nurturing home for their three daughters.

Laurie was not only a devoted mother to Lisa (Staab) Vega, Kimberly (Staab) Schultz and her husband Tim Schultz, and Emily Staab and her husband Jim McMasters, but also a proud grandmother and great-grandmother. She took immense joy in her grandchildren — Alexander Vega, Justin Vega, and Lucas Schultz — and her great-grandchild, Calum Vega. Her family was central to her life, and she cherished every moment spent with them.

Creative Legacy in Music and Advertising

Professionally, Laurie was known for her creativity, commitment, and keen eye for detail within the advertising industry. She built numerous meaningful relationships throughout her career, inspiring her colleagues with her ability to transform ideas into reality. Alongside her professional accomplishments, Laurie was an accomplished musician. She served as the church organist, taught organ and piano lessons, and played music simply for the joy it brought her and others.

In her spare time, Laurie found happiness in simple pleasures. She enjoyed playing Scrabble and working on jigsaw puzzles, activities that showcased her thoughtful nature and sharp intellect. Her spontaneous hymn singing was a joyful expression of her spirit, bringing comfort and delight to those around her. Through her love for art, flowers, and music, Laurie embraced the beauty in everyday life.

A Life of Faith and Compassion

Laurie’s unwavering faith in Christ was evident in her daily life. She lived with purpose and compassion, often prioritizing the needs of others above her own. Friends and family describe her as someone who had a remarkable ability to make others feel seen, heard, and loved. Her laughter, quick wit, and generous spirit will be remembered fondly by all who knew her.

A memorial service will take place on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 14:00 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Jamestown, North Dakota. Friends and family are encouraged to join in celebrating Laurie’s life and the eternal hope she held in her faith. A second memorial service is planned at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Waukesha, Wisconsin, on a date to be determined, with burial to follow in a West Bend, Wisconsin cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org. While Laurie will be deeply missed, her faith, love, and legacy will continue to inspire those whose lives she touched.