Cecilia Mae Laqua, 82, Minot died on Thursday, February 13, 2014 in Minot.

Cecilia was born on March 13, 1931 on the family farm near Grenora, ND to Albert and Elizabeth (Schmitz) Muller. She was reared on the family farm, attended Roosevelt School in Climax Township of Williams County and graduated from Grenora High School in 1949. She continued her education at Minot State Teacher's College where she received her Standard Teaching Certificate. She taught school in Buford, ND and at Cedar School near Grenora prior to moving to Williston where she was employed as a bookkeeper at Nash Finch Wholesale Food Company.

Cecilia married Richard Laqua on April 25, 1953 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Grenora. They made their home in Grenora where they were both employed at the local grocery store. While Richard was employed by Montana Dakota Utilities they resided in Stanley where she was employed at the Scandia American Bank as a bookkeeper and teller. Upon relocating to Crookston, MN she took on her most important role as a full time wife, mother, and homemaker, and continued as the family moved to Williston, Dickinson, and Minot, where they resided for the last 37 years.

Cecilia was a very active member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church and other organizations including Al-Anon. Although she was busy with many activities and clubs, her number one passion was her family.

Cecilia's loving family includes her children, Denise Tonner of Vero Beach, FL and Rick Laqua of Minot, ND, grandchildren, Libby Tonner of Gainesville, FL and Jack Tonner of Columbia, SC. She is also survived by her brother, Laurence (Vi) Muller on the family homestead, near Grenora, ND, sisters, Barb Olson of Grenora, ND, and Bev (Gene) Gunderson of Leesburg, AL.

Cecilia was preceded in death by her husband, Richard, and her parents, Albert and Elizabeth Muller.

Mass of Christian Burial: Monday, February 17, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. in Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church - Minot.
Vigil Prayer Service: Sunday at 5:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home Chapel - Minot.
Graveside Service: Monday, February 17, 2014 at 3:30 p.m. in Riverview Cemetery - Williston.
Visitation: Sunday from noon to 4:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home - Minot.
Memorials are preferred to "The Catholic Charities of North Dakota".