Laurie Brandl
God opened his pearly gates to let in another angel. Laurie Brandl, of New Ulm, passed away at the young age of 59, at RAI Group Home in Luverne, MN.
Funeral Service will be held at the Church of the Japanese Martyrs, Leavenworth, on Saturday, March 19, 2022 at 11:00 am.
Visitation will be on Saturday from 9 to 11 am at the church.
The clergy will be Father Mark Steffl.
Interment will be at the Japanese Martyrs Catholic Cemetery in Leavenworth.
Arrangements are with the Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.
From a family of 16 children, Laurie’s parents were blessed. Thinking their hurrah was when they were blessed with triplets, but God was not done with his plan. One more hurrah! They were blessed with a precious baby girl with special needs, Laurie. Born Laurie Therese Brandl on Nov. 24, 1962 in New Ulm, MN. She attended school in Delft, MN for special needs, then later in Windom, MN, where she graduated. She worked at MRCI in New Ulm, loved music and dancing, along with sports. Over the years, despite her down syndrome, she used her extraordinary strength to be an adult who worked hard. She became a big part of the special Olympics, with many ribbons and medals. Also, an avid bowler with several trophies. When it came to the Minnesota Twins and Vikings she watched with great devotion. She knew every play by play! She went to the Vikings Training camp every year and met many players. Once she got to go to the Minnesota Twins Spring Training in Florida, meeting players. She had many friends and was an essential part of her family, always included in family gatherings. She meant everything to her mother, making sure she was treated with dignity and care. She would have been proud to know her daughter, (Laurie’s guardian) ensured that the final years of her life were filled with respect and so much love.
She is survived by her sisters, Patty (Donnie) Haala, Marie Hauser, Teresa (Ron) Seidl, Karen (Harry) Paa, Sharon Brandl, Jean (Gene) Regner, Jane (Pat) Riederer and Janice (Kenny) Haag; brothers, Roger, David, Richard (Karen), Donnie (Sue) and Ronnie, along with many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Anna; brothers, Josie and Mark; nephews, Leon Hauser, Tim Haag and Justin Brandl.
Laurie was also loved by many special caregivers and healthcare providers throughout her life to whom the family will always be grateful. Everyone she leaves behind is better for having had the gift of knowing her.
