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Laurie was born on August 25, 1954, in Sioux Falls, SD to James and Dorothy Bakken and died at her assisted living home in Hackensack, MN on June 28, 2025, due to kidney disease. 

Laurie attended Hollister in Sioux Falls, a special school with a loving, family-like environment where she learned to read, write and understand simple math problems. She enjoyed these activities throughout her lifetime. She worked at several assisted employment jobs over the years in Sioux Falls and Bemidji.

Though cranky at times, she also had a good sense of humor and once exclaimed it was her goal in life to make people feel better. She exuberantly greeted people she knew, letting them know they were special to her. She would often thank the many people who cared for her over the years. Laurie was a good storyteller and even wrote a book with the help of her friend, Sue. Perhaps what she loved most was fishing; many remember her sitting for hours on the end of her sister’s dock, exclaiming loudly whenever she caught a sunny or perch. She also liked to bowl and participate in other Special Olympics activities. She had a good ear for music and enjoyed playing the piano and singing with others.

Laurie was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Cheryl, niece Kelli, all her aunts and uncles and several cousins. She is survived by her brother Steve, sister Barb (Dan Houg), nieces Jennifer Duell and Katie Houg and nephew Erik Houg, as well as grand-nieces, Alice and Zoey.

The family would like to thank the staff at Birchview Gardens in Hackensack, St. Croix Hospice and the many friends, family and caregivers who showed her patience and love throughout her life. She will be greatly missed.