Laura Elizabeth Lebakken

Laura Elizabeth Lebakken was born on December 13, 1969, to Lewis and Charlene Lebakken. Having been born in Albert Lea, Minnesota, Lewis’s career moved the family to Los Angeles, California, Cleveland, Ohio, and Washington, D.C. where they lived in Woodbridge, VA. Laura attended local schools and graduated from Woodbridge High School. While growing up, she studied both piano and cello, becoming proficient at both. She was also active in Girl Scouts and her church.

Following graduation, she worked in retail and attended the local community college. While there, she decided to enlist in the U.S. Navy. After basic training, she served in Hawaii, northern Japan, Diego Garcia, and Rota, Spain.

Due to health problems, she was discharged after 13 years of service and returned to La Crosse where she lived with her parents and had local jobs and studied at La Crosse Community College. Due to recurring heart problems, she was unable to continue working and relocated to Meadowbrook Care Center in Black River Falls in June of 2023.

She will be remembered for her great faith and courage in spite of ongoing illnesses. She was preceded in death by her father. She is survived by her mother Char, brother Bradley (Linda), and their children Trygve , and Nils and many other family relatives.

A service of remembrance will be held at Faith United Methodist Church at 1818 Redfield Street, La Crosse, WI 54601. Pastor Karen Bankes will be officiating. Visitation will begin at 2 p.m. with service at 3 p.m. A light reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall.