Laura Jane Anderson Hunt (formerly of Stromsburg, Nebraska) age 84 passed away October 19, 2021 with her children by her side.

Laura Jane was born March 1, 1937 to Norris Merton John and Violet Charlotte (Stromberg) Anderson at the York Hospital in York, Nebraska. She was baptized and confirmed at Calvary Lutheran Church of Swede Home, Stromsburg NE.

Laura attended District 12 country school thru 8th grade and graduated from Stromsburg High School in 1954. She worked as a bookkeeper for Barber’s Service in Stromsburg.  Laura attended Luther Junior College in Wahoo NE for a year, staying on as secretary to the college president. She moved to Oakland, California and was a cost accounting clerk at Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical Corp. There she met her husband, Alvin Alford Hunt. They were married November 22, 1961 at Christ Lutheran church in San Lorenzo, CA. Two children were born to this union, Candace Jane and Allen Ray.  The family moved back to Grand Island, NE and later Guthrie Center, IA.  Alvin passed away December 20, 1986.

Laura Jane moved back to Stromsburg, NE to be near her parents and was employed with the United States Postal Service until her retirement in 2006.

Laura was an active church member, teaching Sunday and Bible School, sang in choir, women’s group, church council and financial secretary. She served on the NSWO board. Laura was a member of American Legion Auxiliary, VFW Auxiliary, and Beta Sigma Phi social sorority. She was a driver and board member of “Busy Wheels”.  Laura was Swedish Festival Queen in 1998.
Sewing, reading and family – especially grand and great grandchildren were her delight; this being the main reason she later moved to Iowa.

Those are all things Laura Jane humbly suggested for her obituary.  The following are some details her family wants to add to her words (the rest of the story).  
 After the sudden death of her husband, Laura continued to operate a motel in Guthrie Center, Iowa. Times were not easy for her there, but she was tough and resilient. She remained present in her children’s lives as they needed her desperately in the first few years after Alvin’s death. Laura was always there to pick her children up and get them on track when needed. When it was time to move on from the motel business, Laura sold the place and returned to Stromsburg to be near family and provide support for her aging parents. She worked for a short time as a dispatcher with the Polk County Sheriff’s Department before joining the USPS.  She enjoyed her time with the Postal Service until her retirement in 2006.  Laura’s hard work paid off as she thoroughly enjoyed her retirement.

Laura Jane was so very loved everywhere she went. She was devoted to her family –immediate and distant.  She kept in touch with friends from high school and college her entire life.  While in Stromsburg she devoted her spare time to helping others whether it be taking care of her parents, volunteering with her church, delivering meals or supporting her friends.  She knew how to have fun too—she enjoyed bowling with the girls, attending plays and musicals, traveling, playing BUNCO and so many other activities.  On her return to Iowa, she made new friends that felt like lifelong friends.  Laura enjoyed Chair Yoga, Water Aerobics, playing Bean Bag Baseball and Bunco. Many hours were spent around the fire pit solving the problems of the world.
 Laura Jane was not shy about her political opinion. She was always informed and cared about the state of the world. Freedom and independence were a few of her core values. She lived life on her terms, always.  Laura’s love for her country and our Veterans was evident in the countless hours she devoted to preserving their stories on video and sending care packages to deployed soldiers.  Laura Jane was a talented seamstress - she could whip up anything from prom dresses to shoe bags to pajama pants. To say Laura could cook was an understatement. If you left her place hungry, it was your own fault.  For the grandkids she would travel to football, volleyball, basketball and baseball games dressed in the appropriate team colors with a picture button of her favorite player.  Her love of watching sports continued beyond her grandkids’ athletic careers.  She looked forward to catching a Husker Volleyball game and felt a cold beer and hot dog were required at a live baseball game. She absolutely spoiled and adored her great-grandchildren. They never left her house empty handed.  Actually, no one left Laura Jane’s house empty handed!  She would give you the shirt off her back if needed and Lord knows, she had enough shoes to go around.  Laura Jane faced some challenges in life but her loving spirit never wavered. Laura often said she was lucky to have the best children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Bottom line, we are the lucky ones and she will forever be in our hearts.   

Laura was preceded in death by her husband Alvin (1986), parents, brothers Richard (Donna Marie), Paul (Elaine), L Rodney (Donna), and John.
Her survivors include her daughter Candace (David) Glade and son Allen (Cristy Tackett-Hunt) Hunt. Grandchildren Jeff (Katie) Glade, Amanda (Seth) Van Steenwyk, Collin Hunt, Alex Hunt; great grandchildren Owen, Caroline and Evan Glade and Claire, Violet, Hendrick and Grace Van Steenwyk; sister-in-law Bertha Anderson and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Celebration of Life Open House will be held on 11/12/21 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm at the Waukee Community Center, 675 Walnut Street, Waukee IA.  Graveside services will be held 11/13/21 at 11:00 at the Stromsburg Cemetery, Stromsburg NE. Tailgate lunch will follow at the American Legion in Stromsburg.  Be sure to dress in your favorite college gear!

Source: https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/22792638/laura-jane-hunt