Lauretta J. Mendenhall, age 65, a resident of Manitowoc, entered eternal life on Thursday, November 5, 2015 at Aurora Medical Center in Two Rivers.

Laurie was born on July 24, 1950 in Chicago, IL to the late Stanford and Mary Bute Mendenhall. She graduated from Sullivan High School in Chicago. Laurie went on to continue her education by attending classes at Truman Community College in Chicago. She spent the majority of her working career caring for the elderly in their homes. 33 years ago, Laurie had met Mary Masar, who turned out to be the love of her life. They were united in marriage on June 9, 2014. Laurie enjoyed spending her time gardening, crocheting, making crafts, and cooking. She enjoyed her cats and dogs, but above all she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. Laurie was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish.

Survivors include her wife: Mary L. Masar, Manitowoc; three children: Shawn Cermak, Manitowoc; Joseph (Dulce) Cermak and Desalene (DeShaun) Jones-McDaniels, all of Sacramento, CA; many grandchildren; two brothers: Vance (Nicole) Mendenhall, Quebec, Canada; and Joseph E. Mendenhall, Manitowoc; two sisters: Mary Agnes Grilli, Tinley Park, IL; and Dorothy Mendenhall, Galeta, CA; sister-in-law: Liz Mendenhall, Riverside, IL; also other relatives and friends. Laurie was preceded in death by her parents: Stanford and Mary Mendenhall; brother: Richard S. Mendenhall; and sister: Kathleen A. Tierney.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, November 11, 2015 at St. Francis of Assisi on Grand – 1416 Grand Avenue, Manitowoc. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Dave Pleier. Cremation will take place at the Harrigan Parkside Crematory and Chapel at a later date. The family will greet relatives and friends at St. Francis of Assisi on Grand on Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11 a.m. Following the funeral service, a luncheon will be held at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center located on the south property of the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.