Laura Flaaten passed away peacefully on Friday, August 5, 2016 at the age of 86 years. Laura was predeceased by her parents, Emmanuel and Emma Gueldner; husband, Harold Flaaten; brothers, Henry (Kay) Gueldner and Herbert Gueldner; sister, Irma (Norman) McGugan; brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, Noel Flaaten, Bertha (Tommy) Huston; Norvald Flaaten and Scotty Flaaten; niece, Audrey (Gary) Downs and great granddaughter, Iyanna Loustel. Laura was born at Mt. St. Mary’s Hospital in Weyburn, Saskatchewan, on February 3, 1930. She was the second youngest of six children. Laura was raised on the family farm during the Great Depression and attended Little Rock School. She later boarded in Weyburn while attending the Weyburn Collegiate Institute and graduated in 1948. Laura was raised with prairie pragmatism and was guided by the wisdom, spirituality and experience of parents who fled Russia under adversity with two young children. Emmanuel and Emma Gueldner left leaving behind everything but the most essential items before arriving in the Weyburn area in 1927. Laura was confirmed at Zion by Pastor Salemka in 1944. She taught at Zion’s Vacation Bible School and mom and dad both taught Sunday school, participated in Bible Study, served on Church Council and volunteered and provided leadership on numerous committees and church projects. Married in 1956, a great deal of Harold and Laura’s married lives revolved around the Zion Lutheran Church. Harold passed on Christmas Eve in 2000 after 45 years of marriage, August 11 would have been their 60th wedding anniversary. Laura worked at the Saskatchewan Hospital for about eight years. After the boys arrived, Jeff in ’61 and Greg in ‘64, she served as the Weyburn Welcome Wagon Hostess where she met and developed friendships with many of Weyburn’s newcomers. She helped Harold from time to time at his business, Kempton Stationery & Book, and then worked many years at the local Sears store at the sales counter. Everything Laura took on in life, she took on honestly with enthusiasm, determination and sincere dedication. Her flower garden, acknowledged by so many admirers over the years, was the most obvious reflection of her tireless work ethic, she was always busy. Photography became a rewarding hobby and Laura loved the fellowship and social atmosphere of the Soo Line Camera Club. The monthly field trips were her favourite part of that experience and she was extremely grateful for the wonderful guidance, instruction and encouragement provided by the group and its leadership. She loved her simple bicycle and rode until age 70, mostly to the Weyburn Public Library where she spent many hours reading and borrowing reading material for the house. She enjoyed travel and made many trips abroad throughout her life. Laura liked to cross country ski and enjoyed the outdoors. Fellowship, conversation and simple pleasures put her at ease. Laura created beauty in her world through craft projects and shared her creations with loved ones. Ever humble, pious and cautious, Laura was a gift from God. She will be missed and remembered fondly by all who knew her. Laura is lovingly remembered by her son, Jeff (Mary Ann) Flaaten of Weyburn, their daughter, Alaina Flaaten (Carter Hilkewich) of Weyburn, their son, Jordan (Lisa) Loustel and Laura’s great grandson Asher Loustel of Weyburn; son, Greg Flaaten (Cathy Siroishka) of Canmore, Alberta; brothers, Robert (Betty) Gueldner of San Diego, CA and Albert (Dorothy) Gueldner of Abbotsford, B.C.; sisters-in-law, Gladys Flaaten of Weyburn, Helen Flaaten of Weyburn and Ella Gueldner of Newberg, OR as well as many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Visitation and prayers were held at Fletcher Funeral Chapel on Tuesday, August 9, and a Funeral Service took place on Wednesday, August 10, from Zion Lutheran Church, Weyburn, with long-time friends Marjorie C. McLeod leading as Officiant and Arvella Soroka accompanying hymns on the organ. Laura’s sons Jeff and Greg delivered the eulogy and scripture readings were provided by Alaina Flaaten, granddaughter and Robin Robinson, niece. Interment followed at Green Acres Memorial Gardens, Weyburn. Pallbearers were Carter Hilkewich, Danny Johnstone, Larry Johnstone, Jordan Loustel, Jason Sprecken and Steven Von Hagen. Donations in memory of Laura may be made to the Zion Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan or Sun Country Health Region Tatagwa View. Condolences may be left at: www.fletcherfuneralchapel.com. Arrangements entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapel, Weyburn, 306-842-5432.
