Laura Forthun, 84, Minot, went to be with Jesus on Tuesday, January 31, 2012, surrounded by her loving family and friends.

Laura was born on September 9, 1927 at rural Sawyer, ND, the daughter of Jacob and Marie (Sauter) Steffan. She was raised on the family farm and later moved into Sawyer with her family. She graduated from Sawyer High School.

Laura was married to Vernon Forthun on July 23, 1948 in Sawyer. They lived in Alexander, ND for two years, prior to moving to the Sawyer area, and continued farming for a number of years. They also owned and operated Valley Service in Sawyer, and drove school bus for the Sawyer School District. She worked for JC Penney Co. in her early years and sold Tupperware. Laura and Vernon moved to Minot in 1974. Vernon preceded Laura in his eternal home going on May 16, 1993.

Laura continued to make her home in Minot at 604 17 St SW, where she was well known for her gift of entertaining, hosting family and friends on numerous occasions. She always had the door open and food on the table, welcoming everyone into her home with a smile and warm heart. For many years, she operated The Blue Mule Caf at the ND State Fairgrounds, where she was known for the best brownies in town. Laura led an active life, enjoying many volunteer services including singing with her sisters for many special occasions, being a Sunday School teacher, PTA and in her later years was honorary "Mom" for the Dakota Cruisers Car Club, as well as enjoying attending MSU basketball games. Laura was active in many organizations, including First Baptist XYZ Seniors group, Women's Christian Temperance Union, Red Hat Ladies, as well as serving in many capacities in her church, Our Redeemer's Lutheran.

Her loving family includes: Son, David (Keela) Forthun, Minot, Karen (Tim) Myers, Vancouver, WA, grandchildren, Kasha (Bill) Nels, Dusty (Naomi) Forthun, Brock (Courtney) Myers, and Kassie Myers, Nine Great Grandchildren, Sisters, Ruth Zimbelman, Minot, ND, Sarah (Harlyn) Shippey, Sun City, AZ, numerous nieces and nephews and an abundance of friends, whom she would call family.

She was preceeded in death by husband, Vernon, brothers, Ben, Jake, Fred, William and Reuben Steffan, sisters, Martha Faul and Kathryn Schmidt and special friend, Pastor Bill Puls.

Funeral Service : Friday, February 3, 2012 at 1:30 pm at Our Redeemer's Lutheran Brethren Church, Minot.

Interment : Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.

Visitation: Thursday from 3:00-7:00 pm in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot and one hour prior to the service in the Church.

Memorials are preferred to Minot Youth for Christ or the organization of donor's choice.