Laurie A. Goettl

Laurie A. Goettl

April 8, 1966 – January 24, 2023

Laurie Ann Goettl, age 56, of New Prague, died peacefully in her sleep with her husband at her side on Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at her home. Laurie was born on April 8, 1966 in Minneapolis to Gordon Wells “Gordie” and Gerd Synove (Ekeberg) Olson. She graduated from Jefferson High School and then her natural adventurous spirit took her to San Diego State University to complete her degree in Graphic Art Design. After college, she returned to her roots in Minnesota, was playing on a softball team one day, when a teammate’s boyfriend brought a handsome friend along with him to the game. Fate intervened when the group gathered after the game and were throwing darts later that evening. Laurie’s eye was taken with that handsome young man (named Tom Goettl) and the two met bantering over playing volleyball on what Laurie thought was Tom’s team! From that night on, it was love at first sight and the two were married on May 20, 1995 at Normandale Highlands United Methodist Church in Bloomington, MN.

Laurie’s graphic arts degree served her well! She started out working for a graphic design company in Minneapolis and after her two children were born, the high demands of the job convinced her to stay home to spend more time with her children. During that time, she free-lanced as a graphic designer and her work could be seen locally when she designed the mural for Small Wonders Early Childhood Center. She also owned and operated a craft store, “Bead All About It” with her sister and sister-in-law. Most recently she was the team leader for the New Prague Middle School Food Service for over 13 years.

Laurie’s artistic ability came out in everything she did. She was always into DIY projects and enjoyed nothing more than helping her kids renovate their old houses. Everything she did had an artistic quality to it! She loved a good time and enjoyed her monthly lunches out with her “crazy lunch ladies”. Family was her greatest joy! She enjoyed camping trips with Tom, the kids, and close friends. She especially enjoyed listening to her son, Parker, sing and play his guitar. Her daughter, Monika, was in dance throughout her childhood and Laurie maintained a close friendship with the dance moms and enjoyed getting together with them for occasional lunches to this day. Laurie had a kind and generous heart; she gave everything in her being to everybody else before thinking of herself. She was the rock that cemented her family. The light that went out with her loss will ripple throughout her community of family and friends.

Laurie is survived by her loving husband of 27 years, Tom of New Prague; daughter, Monika (Darren) Wick of New Prague; son, Parker Goettl (Taylor Bonstrom) of Elko; sister, Brenda Olson of Saginaw, MN; sister-in-law, Pam Olson of Watertown, MN. She is preceded in death by her parents; brother, Ron Olson.

To honor Laurie’s life, a Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, February 18, 2023 at 5:00 PM at Bruzek Funeral Home with Pastor Gordon Deuel officiating. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 3-5 pm.