On September 1, 2026, Laurie (Kehl) Erickson Heckendorf met Jesus face to face and was reunited in heaven with husbands Ron Erickson (1991) and Ray Heckendorf (2016); parents, Irma (2000) and John (2002) Kehl; sister, Kathleen Boehler (2018); aunt, Unita Kehl (2009), and many other aunts and uncles.
Eulora Ann Kehl was born in Neenah, Wisconsin on July 10, 1937 where she was raised, attended Trinity Lutheran Church and School, and participated in many local park programs at The Green. Always creative, artistic, and musical, she lived her life putting her God-given talents to good use. From a young age she sewed her own clothes, designed her wedding dress, knit, and crocheted...millions of stitches over a lifetime for her family, home, friends, brides, and bridesmaids.
As a five-year-old, she rode the city bus from Neenah to Lawrence University in Appleton for piano lessons. After multiple decades of playing piano and organ in church, accompanying and directing choirs, playing for musicals, and teaching children to play, Laurie maintained a beautiful touch on the piano keys through to her last days.
Laurie was gifted at creating beauty utilizing mediums of all kinds to make decor, quilts, curtains, gardens, gifts, and crafts of every sort. She had very fond memories of painting scenery for operettas at David's Star Lutheran School. Her hands were always busy.
Laurie was baptized into the Lutheran faith as an infant, and later confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in 1951. Her confirmation verse was Romans 12:21, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Following her graduation from Winnebago Lutheran Academy in Fond du Lac, WI, she attended Dr. Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN, graduating in June of 1958. Her first divine teaching call was to St. Paul Lutheran School in South Haven, MI where she made life-long friends with her students. After one year, she was called to teach at St. Martin's Lutheran School in Winona, MN. She was a long-time member of David's Star Evangelical Church in Kirchhayn where she served in the choir, as a part-time teacher, co-director of numerous operettas, and in many other roles. As a more recent member of Pilgrim Evangelical Lutheran Church in Menomonee Falls, she was active in Tabitha Women's Group, played organ, and accompanied the choir.
Laurie worked at Lasata Care Center in Cedarburg for 20 years in several positions. She continued for many years after retirement as a volunteer, co-writing and directing multiple musical productions, and playing piano and leading sing-alongs for the residents.
Laurie was blessed with two loving husbands. She met Ron in Winona, MN in the basement of St. Martin's Lutheran Church. This was no ordinary church basement, though-this one had a bowling alley! Ron bowled on the team for Red Owl where he worked while attending Winona State University. They married on July 2, 1961 and almost reached their 30th anniversary when Ron died in 1991. As a married couple, they bowled in church leagues for many years at Circle B Bowling alley in Cedarburg.
Legend has it that Laurie and Ray's relationship began in the David's Star Church choir when he winked at her from the bass section while she played the piano. They married on September 27, 1997 and enjoyed 19 years of attending cultural events, camping, and traveling. Ray was a loving grandpa to all ten of Laurie's grandchildren who adored him.
Awaiting their reunion in heaven with their feisty and loving mom are: Stefani (Bryan) Avery; Craig (Amy) Erickson; Melanie (Michael) Kading; Valerie (John) Klika; and Brent Erickson.
Remembering their loving and attentive grandma are: Julie (Brian) Fischer; Sara Avery; Stephen (Cait) Avery; Jack (Rena) Klika; Lauren Klika; Michayla (Patrick) Hackett; Mackenzie Kading; Jessica (Caleb) Nelson; Hunter Erickson; and Mackenna Kading.
Missing their beloved Gigi are great grandchildren: Cora, Wesley, and Loretta Fischer; Haven Klika; and recent newcomers to the family, Rowan and Morgan DiGiacomo (Avery).
Laurie is survived by brothers Bruce (Carla) Kehl and Trent (Barb) Kehl, and many other friends and extended family.
The family extends a heart-felt thank you to special caregivers Marla, Peyton, Kaye, and Kena, among other caring staff at Laurie's memory care residence.
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Visitation for Laurie will be held on Friday September 11, 2026 at Pilgrim Ev. Lutheran Church, W156 N5436 Bette Dr., Menomonee Falls from 10 AM until the time of the Funeral Service at 11 AM. Burial will be at 2 PM at David's Star Ev. Lutheran Church Cemetery in Jackson. Laurie loved colorful clothing and the color blue, and guests are invited to honor her by wearing blue or florals to the funeral events. The family requests that memorials be given to the Pilgrim Lutheran Pipe Organ Fund.
