Loretta “Laurie” Germanson, age 89, died on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025 at WellHaven Senior Living in River Falls. She was born the daughter of John and Marcia (nee Mountain) Panian on Oct. 2, 1935 in Saint Paul, Minn. Laurie grew up on the east side of Saint Paul. She graduated from Harding High School in 1953. Laurie then graduated from College of Saint Theresa in Winona, Minn. with a Bachelor of Science and later received her master’s degree from the University of Minnesota. She also received certification from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Laurie was a teacher of education in Saint Paul Public Schools, US Air Force in France, and an instructor for University of Minnesota and University of Wisconsin-River Falls.
She married Mel Germanson on Oct. 22, 1966 in Saint Paul. Laurie volunteered with the Saint Bridget Council of Catholic Women, Hospital Auxiliary, Library Foundation, “Hen Club” Book Club, and College of Saint Theresa Alumni Association. She was also active in the Saint Bridget Catholic Church. She loved playing bridge and cards. Both Mel and Laurie enjoyed traveling and going to Badger vs. Gopher football games. Laurie loved having dinner parties with friends and family. Laurie was caring and selfless. Her favorite title was being a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Laurie’s faith and Irish family heritage were important to her.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Mel; parents, John and Maricia Panian; brother, Donald and George Panian; sister, Kathryn (Walt) Lundberg; brother-in-law, Harry Churchill. Laurie is survived by her three boys, David (Arica) of Balsam Lake, Wis., Steven (Darla) of Woodville, Wis., Thomas (Karen) of Rice Lake, Wis. grandchildren, Ethan, Abby, Caleb, Luke, and Blake; siblings, Elaine Churchill, John (Audrey) Panian; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Memorials may be directed to Saint Bridget Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 3, 2025 at Saint Bridget Catholic Church (211 E. Division St., River Falls WI 54022) with a visitation starting at 9 a.m. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery in River Falls. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
