Laurel Elizabeth Wicks

Laurel Elizabeth Wicks

LA CROSSE - Laurel Wicks, 47, of Cavour, South Dakota, and La Crosse, Wisconsin, died Friday, December 8, 2023 in a car accident.

Laurel Elizabeth Wicks was born on May 4, 1976 to Larry and Marlene (Easthouse) Wicks in Huron, South Dakota. She graduated from Huron Senior High School in 1994. Laurel obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Integrated Studies and Marketing, and her Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Ethical Leadership -Servant Leadership from Viterbo University and was on the Dean's List. She belonged to The National Society of Leadership & Success. She received her Associate of Applied Science in Cosmetology from Minnesota State College - Southeast Technical, and was on the President's List. Laurel was a dual student at Viterbo/Western Technical College with General Studies, and Vice President of Phi Theta Kappa 2008-2009.

Laurel was an Account Executive at Combined Worksite Solutions, as well as AAS (Cosmetologist, Massage/Bodywork Specialist).

Her beloved son, Jairus, says "My mom had a constant smile to her that radiated positivity and a laugh that breathed life into any room. It was her goal to spread love and positivity, and she radiated it. Connection was her specialty, she brought a tone through her conversation that would make a stranger feel more like an old friend."

Laurel is predeceased in death by her mother, Marlene, December 20, 1999, and her stepmother, Jan Wicks, November 2013.

Laurel is survived by her father, Larry Wicks, her beloved son - Jairus Wicks; her best friend and love, Mark Puterbaugh; sisters and brothers: Lisa Wicks, Vaughn (Valerie) Wicks, Charleen (Fred) Sylaart, Justin Wicks, Blaine (Angela) Wicks, Becky Russell (Guy) Guiot, Jennifer Russell, and her best friend/sister for life and beyond, Darci Bragg Sheneman. Nieces and nephews, Francesca Wicks, Siobhan Wicks, Theodora Wicks, Elliott Wicks, Allison (Loren) Fisk, Makayla (Scott) Sylaart, Jordan (Yin May) Sylaart, Krista Sylaart, Zayne (Olivia) Wicks, Elijah Wicks, Elliana Wicks, Sabrina (Maggie) Plascencia, and Alexander Plascencia, and great nephews Elias, Isaac, and Levi Fisk.

The Celebrations of Laurel's Life are as follows:

11:00 Saturday, December 16, 2023 Radisson Hotel Ballroom, 200 Harborview Plaza, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601. Officiants are Perry Pearson and Jason Stein.

2:00 p.m. Sunday, December 17, 2023 at the Nordby Exhibit Hall at the Fairgrounds, Huron, SD 57350. Officiants are Dennis Hause and Caleb Dunham.

Ode to the Hunter, written November 19, 2023 by Laurel Wicks -

Hurtling into the sherbet and cotton candy horizon

I ponder

In awe

The wisps of rain not yet fallen

Illuminated by the dawn of a new day

As beings on Earth rest and dream of tomorrow

This is it!

Tomorrow is here!

Blessings eagerly await those that

Dare to hunt

Hidden gifts inside adventures

Enjoyment of the journey

Of Camaraderie

Embrace the moments of becoming

Perhaps your shine is the dawn of life in someone today.