Laura Mae Wavra (Olson)

Laura Mae Olson, 59, of Devils Lake, ND passed away on Sunday morning, July 15, 2018. She endured and battled Type 1 Diabetes for over 40 years.

Laura was born on October 16, 1958 to Josephine “Josie” (Johnson) and LeRoy Olson in Mayville, ND. She grew up on a farm in Finley, ND and graduated from Finley High School.

Laura was a Laboratory Technician and worked in Mayville and Williston. She married Peter Lipsiea in 1984 and they had a son, Kegan. After their passing, she met and married Luke Wavra on May 13, 1989 at Finley Lutheran Church and had a wonderful marriage of 29 years. 

Laura went back to school and received a Human Development and Family Sciences Degree from Northern Illinois University. Laura was a stay-at-home mother for 9 years and after that she worked for 10 years at the Senior Meals and Service Center in Devils Lake. She loved working with the clients in the community and they loved her.

Laura was an avid reader, enjoyed crafts and she loved to bake. Every Christmas she enjoyed coordinating and helping in the sweet shop at her work. Laura would also make her ‘melting moments’ for her relatives as they were a big family favorite each year. On special occasions she would cross-stitch beautiful canvases for gifts.

Laura was a devoted and loving wife to Luke and a proud Mom to Abby. She treasured each moment of everyday she was able to spend with them.

Laura is survived by; her husband Luke, daughter Abby both of Devils Lake; sister Linda (Rick) Bergsgaard, Bemidji, MN and brothers Dale (Polly) Olson and DuWayne (Bonnie) Olson both of Fargo; father-in-law and mother-in-law Jerry and Betty Wavra of Fargo; in-laws Kim (Tim) Wangler, Fargo and Joe Wavra, West Fargo; nieces and nephews Tori (Matt) Stupnik, Darci (Josh) Jacobson; Alyssa and Alex Olson, Shayla and Ryley Olson, Jennifer (Brad) Sjomeling, Lindsay (Matt) Renfrew, Nick and Dan Wavra; eight great nieces and one great nephew.

Laura was greeted in heaven by her parents Josie and LeRoy and Peter Lipsiea and infant son Kegan.

Funeral Services for Laura will be held on Thursday, July 19, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Devils Lake with Reverend Tom Westcott officiating. Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Wednesday, July 18^th from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and will continue at the church on Thursday one hour prior to the funeral service.