Laurel Ambuehl

Laurel Jean Ambuehl, 59, of Crookston, MN, passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday, April 8, 2012, at Sanford Health in Fargo, ND, while surrounded by her loving family. Laurel was born in Crookston on July 21, 1952, and was the oldest of 6 children of the union of Morton and Phyllis (Aune) Swenson. She grew up in Climax, MN, was baptized and confirmed at the Climax Lutheran Church, and graduated from Climax High School in 1970. While in high school Laurel was actively involved in plays and declamation. A treasured memory she kept in her heart from those days was a trip made during her senior year to the East coast as a member of the Royal Neighbors Drill Team, with her mother serving as one of the chaperones. Laurel worked on week-ends as a waitress at Lil's Café in Climax from high school through 1978. She was united in marriage to Perry Ambuehl, of Ada, MN, on July 25, 1970 at the Climax Lutheran Church. Perry was serving with the U.S. Army and stationed in Germany. Laurel made her home in Ada until Perry's return from the service, and they eventually settled in Crookston, where he was employed by the American Crystal Sugar Company. Their marriage was blessed by the birth of 2 sons, Eric and Cory. Life was hectic for Laurel during those early years of marriage as she looked after her "three boys." In 1979 she began working for the Crookston Public Library, today known as the Lake Agassiz Regional Library, and currently held the position of library assistant. She served as union representative for the library for several years. During the latter part of the 2000's Laurel sold pull-tabs at the American Legion for a few years, and enjoyed seeing all her old friends and making many new ones. Her favorite pastimes included music, reading, attending plays at the Chanhassen Dinner Theater in the Twin Cities, playing bingo, and making occasional trips to the Shooting Star in Mahnomen. Several years ago Laurel started a canasta club with "the girls," and they continued to get together every few weeks to play cards. Laurel just loved being around people; but her favorite times were those spent with Perry, Eric and Cory, and her brothers and sisters. She was a fierce competitor when they brought out the board games, and was known in the family as "the keeper of the rules." Laurel made everyone around her feel special; and her boundless love and energy will be dearly missed by all who shared in her life. May God richly bless Laurel's memory. Laurel leaves her husband of 41 years and the love of her life, Perry; her 2 sons, Eric of Crookston, MN and Cory of Cavalier, ND; 3 brothers and 2 sisters: Steven Swenson and Carole (Charlie) Olson of Crookston, Merry Jo (Glen) Prather of Grand Forks, ND, Bruce Swenson (spouse, Joe Sanft) of Chicago, IL and Richard (Kristi) Swenson of New Rockford , ND; a sister-in-law and 2 brothers-in-law, Arna (Tom) Yetter of Cottage Grove, MN, and Tony and Arvid "Hap" Ambuehl of Ada, MN; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Laurel was preceded in death by her parents, Morton and Phyllis Swenson; and her parents-in-law, Armond and Ardis Ambuehl.

Funeral Home: Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home 615 South Minnesota Street Crookston, MN US 56716

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Previous Events

Visitation
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Service
Friday, April 13, 2012
cemetery
Friday, April 13, 2012