Laurie K. Fider, age 71, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 25, 2017, with her family present at St. Gertrude’s Health and Rehabilitation Center, Shakopee, MN. She was a resident of Prior Lake, MN.
The family will greet guests on Friday, February 3 , from 4-7 pm, at Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation 4565 Pleasant St SE, Prior Lake and one hour prior to the mass. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, February 4 , at 11 am, at St. Michael Catholic Church 16311 Duluth Ave SE, Prior Lake. Father William Fider and Father Tom Walker will preside. Laurie’s urn bearers will be her children. She will be laid to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN, on Monday, February 6, 2017 at 11:15 am.
On May 15, 1945 in Chisholm, MN, Laureen “Laurie” Katherine was born to Italian parents Americo and Merica (Giorgi) Petrini. The second of four children, she and her siblings, Patricia, Carol and Peter, grew up honoring their Italian heritage. Being surrounded by family was always the most important. Some examples of this commitment were Laurie’s grandfather living with them until he passed. The family worked countless hours together in the garden, assuring food for the table throughout the coming year. And every Sunday evening, they shared a meal with their priest.
Graduating from Chisholm High School in 1963, Laurie then attend Junior College in Hibbing, MN for two years. Completing her education, she headed south to the big city. Laurie took her knowledge and started working for Control Data and their subsidiaries. For the next 40 plus years, she worked in Human Resources, with Laurie’s final years in management.
Laurie’s life was enriched meeting the love of her life, James Fider. This grand encounter happened while visiting the Alps!! It was such a romantic view as their eyes met…from across the room…standing in the bar called the ‘Alps’ in Bloomington, MN. This love flourished and on May 27, 1967 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, in Chisholm, MN, they were joined in Holy Matrimony. From this union, Laurie and Jim were blessed with three children, Jennifer, Katherine and Nicholas.
Keeping true to her Italian heritage, the family always remains most important. As a family, they spent endless weekends sailing throughout the years. Their first boat was 12-feet-long and they enjoyed the sights and sounds of Prior Lake. As the children grew, Laurie and Jim upgraded to a 30-foot-long boat that currently cruises the shores of Lake Pepin, along with many other family boats. In the winter months, the family loved huddling around the countless bonfires in the back yard, laughing and making profound statements. No matter what time of the year it was, every weekend was another family reunion. But life for Laurie was complete when she became a Nonni (grandma) to her grandchildren. They brought her so much joy and love.
Laurie had other interests as well. She loved curling up with a good book, So much that she self-published a few books. Laurie’s stories contained a lot of humor with a twist of mystery. She had such a great imagination. Laurie even co-authored a few books with her sister Patti.
It is Laurie’s genuine, selfless and kind heart that you experienced when she greeted you. Everyone was greeted with arms wide open and a big smile. She made you feel so good just seeing how happy she was to see you.
Laurie’s legacy will continue to live on in her beloved husband, Jim; children, Jennifer Fider, Katherine (Scott) Brue, Nicholas Fider; grandchildren Zachary Brue, Mia Brue; siblings, Patricia Boyter, Carol (Michael) Shanks, Peter Petrini; many relatives and friends.
Preceded in death and there to welcome Laurie home is her parents.
Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home and Cremation, Prior Lake Chapel, proudly served and cared for the Fider family. www.ballardsunderfuneral.com
