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Roger Laursen, 79, of Aurelia died Nov. 11, 2025, at Spencer Hospital.
Visitation will take place Saturday, Nov. 15, from 6-8 p.m. at Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake.
Roger was born Dec. 31, 1945, to Elvin and Betty (Felten) Laursen in Cherokee. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s United Church of Christ near Peterson. He attended Brooke School and finished at Sioux Valley School in Linn Grove, graduating in 1963. Roger served in the United States Navy from December 1963 until December 1966.
On Sept. 15, 1975, Roger was united in marriage to Jean Pohlen in Newell. They were blessed with two children, Karl and Kristine.
Roger was truly a jack of all trades and worked various jobs throughout his life, including John Deere in several locations and Marcus Lumber. He also worked many years with his uncle Alfred on the Felten milk farm and finally at Spencer Diesel where he was still actively employed. Most of all, Roger loved farming and tending to his cattle on the family farm south of Peterson. In his free time, he enjoyed reading, attending ballgames and going for a drive. Roger treasured time with his family and was a supporting and loving husband and father, finding time for kids' activities despite busy farm days. Being a grandpa was one of his favorite roles and his grandchildren held a special place in his heart. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Left to cherish the memory of Roger include his spouse Jean Laursen of Aurelia; children: Karl (Jennifer) Laursen of Peterson; Kristine (Bart) Soliday of Ankeny; sister Eileen (Eugene) Pickhinke of Early; brothers: Bruce (Deb) Laursen of Storm Lake; Lynn (Janet) Laursen of Aurelia; grandchildren: Alex and Austin Soliday of Ankeny; Halle, Natalie and Kailee Laursen of Peterson; extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Elvin and Betty Laursen; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jack and Lucy Pohlen; and brother-in-law Jim Pohlen.
