Laurel D. Lunde

Laurel "Laurie" Dawn Lunde, age 67 of Beaver Dam, passed away on Sunday, April 5th, 2026. Laurie lived her life in service to others as a devoted mother, grandmother, friend, and caregiver. Family was everything to her and the way she loved defined who she was.

Laurie was born in Beaver Dam, WI on June 16th, 1958, to Ethel and Eugene Bilke. She was the third of four children (Terry, Steve, and Mary) and the oldest girl. Laurie grew up in a Navy family that moved a few times throughout childhood, but she always held a special place in her heart for Texas and still has many friends there.

Laurie met Joe Lunde, to whom she remained happily married for 35 years until his death in 2019. Laurie and Joe had three children, Josh, Jared, and Jesse, to whom they devoted their lives. Laurie was also the "second mother" to many. While they won't be named here, they know who they are.

Laurie was a lifelong caregiver who cherished family above all else. Her children always came first. When her grandchildren were born, first Arlo (Josh) and then Landon (Jesse), they became the center of her world. While it was outside of her comfort zone, she moved to St. Paul and later Fond du Lac to spend time as their nanny, love them, and make as many memories as possible. Together they spent many happy days at the park and zoo, and baked countless cookies. More than once she smooth-talked unsuspecting St. Paul municipal workers into letting Arlo “drive” their vehicles.

Laurie was an extraordinarily hard worker who worked many jobs, often more than one at a time, in support of her children. These jobs included, but were not limited to, Super America (later Speedway) in Beaver Dam, Kwik Trip, time at Jefferson Elementary where her children attended, Hillside Manor, and Eagle's Wings. She was extremely generous with her time and often volunteered, particularly in support of the activities her children were involved in.

Laurie is preceded in death by her parents, Ethel and Eugene Bilke, and her husband Joe. She is survived by her siblings: Terry, Steve, and Mary; her sons: Josh (Sarah Keiser), Jared (Katie Schmuhl), and Jesse (Olivia Garris); and her grandsons: Arlo (Josh & Sarah) and Landon (Jesse & Olivia).

A memorial gathering for Laurie will take place on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services in Beaver Dam from 10:00 a.m. until the time of remembrance at 12:00 p.m. Inurnment will take place at Oakwood Cemetery in Beaver Dam.

If desired, the family invites those who wish to honor Laurie's lifelong devotion to caring for others to make a donation to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (bcrf.org).