Memorial trees planted for:

Laurie K. Connell

Laurie Kristine Connell, 70, of the Town of Brussels, passed away on Thursday, October 17, 2024. She was born March 8, 1954 in Sturgeon Bay, the daughter of Ralph John Berg and Dorothy Louise (Schumacher) Berg. Laurie grew up attending Sevastopol School in Institute and St. John Ev. Lutheran Church in Valmy. She graduated from Sevastopol High School with the class of 1972. She went on to study education at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and earned her bachelor's degree in 1976. Laurie met Albert Dale Connell, who was originally from Milledgeville, GA, at a 4-H citizenship course in Washington, D.C. in 1971. She and Dale kept in touch, and they were united in marriage on September 10, 1977 at St. John Ev. Lutheran Church in Valmy. Laurie began her career in education with Sevastopol School District in 1976, initially as a special education teacher but also taught third grade for one year. In 1980, she taught fifth grade at Maggie Califf School in Gray, GA. Laurie and Dale returned to Wisconsin, and they both worked for Peterson Builders, Inc. (PBI), where Laurie's father, Ralph, also worked. Laurie worked in the accounting department while as Accountant Administrator. She remained with PBI for several years until she went to take work for Farmers Union. In the late 1980s, she was hired as the gifted and talented coordinator for Southern Door County School District and eventually switched to teaching eighth grade. Laurie went on to earn her master's from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and also enrolled in a second master's program through the University of Georgia. In the early 2000s, she was hired as the elementary principal for Southern Door and remained as principal for 15 years until her retirement in 2018. Laurie loved her Southern Door "family". She became close with her staff and was so proud of her students. One of the things she was most proud of was her impacting the children that she came in contact with. She often said "I know I made a difference in a lot of kids’ lives" and nothing touched her more than seeing those kids or their parents to hear their success stories. Laurie was a member of the National Education Association. She was an animal lover. Laurie's passion for horses involved showing them, riding on her own, and also in parades. She loved her dogs and cats at home. Laurie also had a passion for gardening; she belonged to the Door County Master Gardeners. She had some of the most spectacular gardens at home and kept Dale busy doing stonework, landscaping, and garden planning. Laurie's appreciation for chainsaw carvings was evident, as they could be found through her gardens at home. Her love will live on in the heart of her husband, Dale, who with was blessed to share 47 years of marriage with Laurie; mother, Dorothy Berg of Sturgeon Bay; sister, Susan (Jeffrey) Deprez of Reedsville; siblings-in-law, Cathy (Kenneth) Funderburke of Milledgeville, GA, Fay (William Jr.) Mathews of Gray, GA, and Denise (Edward) Renfroe of Milledgeville, GA; nephews and nieces, Stacy (Helene) Funderburke and Jon (Ashley) Funderburke, Brian (Mandy) Mathews, Leslie (Evan) Stone, and Amy (Lane) Harrison, and Trae (Miranda) Renfroe; great-nephews and great-nieces; other relatives; and friends. Laurie was preceded in death by her father; parents-in-law, Albert and Grace (nee Turner) Connell; sister-in-law, Carol Connell; and other relatives. Her life will be honored with a funeral service held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 25, 2024 at Huehns Funeral Home, 1414 Michigan Street, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 with Rev. David Leistra, of Sturgeon Bay United Methodist Church, officiating. Laurie will be laid to rest near family in Schumacher Cemetery in the Town of Nasewaupee at a later date. Visitation for family and friends will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, October 24, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and will continue at the funeral home on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. Memorials may be given in Laurie's honor for Mit Liebe German Shepherd Dog Rescue (P.O. Box 376, Suamico, WI 54173; www.mlgsdr.com) or any German Shepherd Dog Rescue. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Laurie may be shared with her family through her tribute page at www.HuehnsFuneralHome.com.

March 8, 1954 - October 17, 2024

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Laurie K. Connell

5 Trees have been planted in memory of Laurie Connell.

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Memorial Trees

Scott & Jill Bean

October 23, 2024

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Laurie K. Connell has been arranged by Scott & Jill Bean. Plant a tree

Duane and Rose Sundin

October 23, 2024

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Laurie K. Connell has been arranged by Duane and Rose Sundin. Plant a tree

Anonymous

October 22, 2024

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Laurie K. Connell has been arranged by Anonymous. Plant a tree

Paul and Katie Freeman, Mike and Andrea Dodd, George and Cindy Ferrell

October 22, 2024

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Laurie K. Connell has been arranged by Paul and Katie Freeman, Mike and Andrea Dodd, George and Cindy Ferrell. Plant a tree

Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.

The staff at Huehns Funeral Home, Inc. & Door County Crematory LLC

October 22, 2024

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Laurie K. Connell has been arranged by The staff at Huehns Funeral Home, Inc. & Door County Crematory LLC. Plant a tree

We plant this tree as a living memorial to Laurie. We are deeply sorry for your loss.