Laura D. Hatleli

HOFF FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICE, RUSHFORD 507-864-7771RUSHFORD, MINN. - Laura Hatleli passed away on Sunday, April 1, 2012, at the age of 102 years, at the Woodbury Care Center in Woodbury, Minn.Laura D. Kramer was born on June 15, 1909, in Norwood, Minn., the daughter of Herman and Bertha (Buckentine) Kramer.She was baptized and confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church, Young America, Minnesota. Laura attended school at St. John's Lutheran in Young America and Central High School in Norwood, Minnesota. She graduated from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn. in 1932. Laura was united in marriage to Ordean Cyrus "Cy" Hatleli on March 25, 1938. A daughter, Elizabeth "Betty" was born on May 22, 1940, in Rushford, Minn.Laura taught in many schools in Minnesota. She taught English and served as librarian in Rushford, where she taught for many years, and directed many school plays. In 2006, at the age of 97, she spoke at the Rushford Class Reunion where she said, "There are no bad children. You have to find the good in them." This was her philosophy in teaching. Laura's interests included traveling, reading, cooking, rosemaling and many other crafts. She and Cy traveled to western and mid-western states as well as Alaska, Mexico, Canada and Norway. After their retirement, Laura and Cy spent 21 winters in McAllen, Texas.She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Cyrus, and daughter Elizabeth. Laura was also preceded in death by brothers, Harold Kramer, Hilton Kramer and sister, Olga Halvorson. She is survived by a sister, Helen Huser of Waconia, Minn.; sisters-in-law; Ruth Kramer of Waconia, and Thora Hoiseth of Rushford; brother-in-law, Gordon(Betty) Hatleli of Rushford; grandchildren: Heidi Torres and David Petsch; great-grandchildren: Jennifer, Heather, Taylor, Tyler, Jesse, Cody and Nate; two great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.The funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 5, at Rushford Lutheran Church with the Rev. Roger Michaelson officiating. Burial will be in the Rushford Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.Laura's family prefers memorials to be directed to the Rushford Lutheran Church Boiler Fund.Leave a memory of Laura and sign her online guestbook at www.hofffuneral.com