Laurel Jean Lobenstein

On June 6, 2017, Laurel Jean Lobenstein (nee Nelson) passed peacefully from this world into eternal life in the arms of her Lord. Laurel was a resident of the Greenway Manor in Spring Green, WI. She rejoins her two beloved sisters (Eunice Jorgensen and Joan Kedrowski) and parents (Marvin and Clara Nelson), her husband (Bernie Lobenstein), and many other friends and relatives who have gone before her.

Laurel was born on July 13, 1927 in Arkdale, WI. She grew up in the Arkdale, but graduated from O’Fallon Township High School (IL) in 1944 while her father, an Army Air Corps Major, was stationed at Scott Field. She was well known as part of the “Nelson Girls” who entertained locals, and later GI’s as part of the USO with singing and piano tunes. She enjoyed a long career in civil service at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, working in the library. She particularly enjoyed helping university students, and she always loved the Madison area even as she lived in other areas later in her life.

Laurel lived a simple life in Madison, never owning a car, and living in a small apartment near downtown. She took the bus to work. Her one luxury in life was to travel and tour various locations around the USA and the world. She particularly enjoyed her trips to Hawaii, and “the Holy Land”. On New Year’s Day in 1980, she married Bernie.
Those that knew Laurel best knew her as a bright and inquisitive sort, one that could always be counted on for a quick smile and fun conversation. She was kind, quiet, and respectful of all, one of those people that never had a bad word to say about anyone.

Laurel is survived by many friends and relatives who will miss her profoundly. In accordance with her wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral service. Her desire was that friends and relatives would not focus on her passing with sadness, but would rejoice that she was now with her Lord. Her earthly body will be interred at the West Arkdale Cemetery in Arkdale, WI, and her soul will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Graveside service will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 3rd, 2017 at the West Arkdale Cemetery, corner of 18th Ave/Cumberland Ave. Pastor Terri Skildum will officiate.