Karlene Michelle McLaurin

Karlene M. McLaurin, 61 of Devils Lake, ND passed away on Sunday, October 1, 2023, at her home with family by her side.

Karlene Michelle was born on June 12, 1962, in Valley City, ND, the cherished daughter of Neil and Sonja (Faleide) Dahl. Karlene grew up in rural Maddock on the Faleide farm where she lived with her parents and siblings through the years. Karlene attended Maddock Public School and graduated with the class of 1980 from Maddock High School. She was baptized on July 1, 1962, at Viking Lutheran Church, Maddock.

Karlene was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart Jim McLaurin on August 9, 1980, and they shared their life together for 43 years. After marriage they lived in Maddock until 1982 when they made the move to Devils Lake and have since called Devils Lake home. Karlene is a member of Frist United Methodist Church where she previously taught Sunday School.

Throughout her career, Karlene displayed dedication and hard work. She worked at Wally’s Inc. for seven years before joining the County Bottle Shop for a decade. In her later years, she served as a para-professional with Devils Lake Public Schools for six years until increasing health problems forced her retirement.

A compassionate soul with a heart for animals, Karlene loved dogs and cats. She would rescue any animal whenever possible. Additionally, she found great joy working with children at Prairie View School and delighted in entertaining her grandchildren during the summer months and hosting holiday gatherings for her loved ones. An exceptional homemaker, Karlene took pride in cooking meals and decorating the house for every holiday. Her collection of angels and butterflies reflected her gentle spirit.

Karlene leaves behind her loving husband James D. McLaurin; their daughter and grandchildren Elisha McLaurin (Jeff Lunak) and their children Katelyn McLaurin, Kinley Lunak and Dayton Lunak; their son and grandchildren James N. McLaurin (Vanessa McLaughlin) and their children Brynn McLaughlin and Brielle McLaurin all of Devils Lake; She is also survived by her mother Sonja Dahl, rural Maddock ND; sisters Kristie (Jack) Zolondek, rural Maddock ND and Kathy (Todd) Oakland, Bisbee ND; brother Duwayne (Cathy) Dahl, Bismarck ND; mother-in-law Pam McLaurin, Fargo ND; brothers-in-law John A. McLaurin, Devils Lake, Jesse (Michelle) McLaurin, Queen Creek AZ; sister-in-law Bonnie Frith, Fargo ND. Karlene will be greatly missed by her special friends Shelley Larson, Rhonda Anderson and Sandy Kraft as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and their families.

She was preceded in death by her father Neil, grandparents Merle and Carl Faliede, father-in-law John F. McLaurin and sister-in-law Carol McLaurin.

Those honored to serve as casket bearers are Duwayne Dahl, Jeff Lunak, Ethan Oakland, Andrew Oakland, Travis McLaurin, and Lonnie Anderson.

Karlene’s kind nature and joyful spirit have left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew her. She will forever be remembered for her unwavering love, devotion and dedication to her family, friends, and the children of Devils Lake Schools and all those in need of love and being rescued.

Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Sunday, October 8, 2023, from 3:00 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. Funeral Services will be on Monday, October 9, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, Devils Lake with Reverend Dayne Zachrison officiating. Karlene will be laid to rest in the Devils Lake Cemetery.