died Monday evening (March 14th) in the Fremont Health Center.
Laurel was born Sept. 5, 1945 to Ivar and Maxine (Oman) Wahlgren in Gothenburg, Nebraska, where she grew up on the farm. She attended School District 89 which consolidated with District 100R. The family later moved into Gothenburg.
On April 30, 1962, Laurel married Richard Kwiatkowski and they lived in Oregon. Later, she married George Antaya and they lived in Virginia while he was serving in the military. On July 15, 1984, Laurel married Eugene Mahnke. He preceded her in death on July 11, 1986. Laurel lived in Fremont, then following Eugene's death, she moved to Iowa for a time, then returned to Fremont.
Laurel was a member of the Fremont Church of the Nazarene, and was active in the Fremont Public School foster grandparent program until recently when her health began to fail. She also enjoyed Fremont's Friendship Center.
She was preceded by husband Eugene, her parents, Ivar and Maxine, infant sister Mary Ann.
Survivors: 2 sons Allen Kwiatkowski, Fremont
Matthew Kwiatkowski (and significant other Joann Dirkschneider) of Fremont
daughter Teresa and husband Steve Kerwin of Fremont
6 grandchildren Michael and Alicia Push, Matthew Jr. and Jewel Kwiatkowski, Bradley
and Paige Kerwin.
6 great grandchildren
brother Roy (wife Jean) Wahlgren of Enid,OK
sister Peggy (husband Gary) Custer of Leesburg, FL.
nieces, nephews, aunts, cousins, and many friends
The funeral service is 10:30 Friday (Mar. 18, 2016) at Fremont Church of the Nazarene with Rev. Aaron Horton. The committal will follow in Memorial Cemetery. Visitation is 3 to 8 PM, family present 5pm to 8pm Thursday at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel. Memorials suggested to the Friendship Center and Dodge County Humane Society.
online guestbook @ www.ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(7)
ANH DRURY
Dakota Dunes, SD Saturday, June 25, 2016 I am so sorry for your loss. I had been looking up your mom for the last two years and found her on Facebook, but I was suspicious since the update was so old, her profile was dated sometime back in 2010. I did message a couple of relatives in hope they could tell me something but none returned my messages. Tonight, I decided to look her up again and found out I was too late. I used to ride the bus to The Principal Financial Group with her daily when we lived in West Des Moines back in the 90s'. We lived in the same apartments area. She was such a sweet and gentle friend. I loved hearing her stories and was blessed by her wisdom. We had kept in touch in the mid 2000's but then lost touch. We had meant to meet so my daughter could meet her but things never worked out. I had and will always missed her friendship and her beautiful soul.jane
fremont, NE Tuesday, March 22, 2016 I am so sorry for the loss of your mom. She was such a kind person, lost touch with her many years ago, but remember watching the kids when they were smaller. Jane MurphyAndrew and Cassandra Sirem
Billings, MT Thursday, March 17, 2016 Such a sad loss, she will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayersare with her family.
Denise Richardson
Urbandale, IA Wednesday, March 16, 2016 Laurel was an amazing friend and blessed to many. Such an inspiration and Godly woman. She will be missed but not forgotten. She will always be in my heart. Love you my friend....until we meet again.Bob Robinson
Fremont, NE Wednesday, March 16, 2016 I am so sorry for your loss. I was Principal at Linden Elementary and started the Foster Grandparent program there working with Laurel for several years. She had a true "Grandmotherly" way when working with our students. She had such compassion and heart for the many needy students in our school. I just saw her at Christmas ringing a bell for the Salvation Army and thought she looked as good as ever. I will miss her.Teri BURNHAM
Ames, NE Wednesday, March 16, 2016 So sorry to hear of Laurel 's death. She was a terrific lady. I am in Texas now so won't be at the funeral. God bless all of you and so sorry for your loss.Bette Benson Drummond
Guadalajara, Mexico, NE Wednesday, March 16, 2016 This is such a loss for Laurel's family. I am so sorry. Laurel is face-to-face with Jesus now. Maybe God richly bless all of those who loved her..