Lauri Lynn Kersten

1951 - 2024

Lauri Lynn Kersten

April 30, 1951 - August 25, 2024

BROOKLYN - Lauri Lynn Kersten, 73, of Brooklyn, WI, passed away with loved ones present on August 25, 2024, at Mercy Hospital in Janesville, WI.

Born Lauri Lynn Thompson on April 30, 1951, in Stoughton, WI, to Joan and Stanley Thompson. She attended Deerfield schools with fond memories of attending the small country schools. Her junior year of high school, they moved to Brooklyn. She graduated from Oregon High School in 1970. On June 26, 1971, she married Richard Kersten at the First Presbyterian Church in Oregon, WI. It was a surprise to many as she had often said she would never marry a farmer or one who worked nights. He did both.

While raising their kids, she worked on the farm milking cows, haying and her least favorite, working in the tobacco fields. She made sure the doors were always locked and may have bent a few fly swatters over the years. After her children were grown, she received her childcare teaching certificate from Blackhawk Technical College. Lauri then worked at Kids Korners daycare where she loved working with the children and enjoyed the new friendships made.

Lauri enjoyed traveling, card club, Badger football games, crossword puzzles, drawing with colored pencils, watching BET and her dog Buffy. Watching her children play sports and participate in 4-H activities gave her great joy. However, watching her grandchildren grow gave her the most enjoyment.

She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Richard; children: Lisa Kersten Speropulos, Evansville, WI, Terry (Amy) Kersten and Marc Kersten of Brooklyn, WI; grandchildren: Hunter Speropulos, Marc Kersten, Natalie Kersten, and Eli Goers; Siblings, Joe (Cindy) Thompson, John (Wendy) Thompson and Lindi Thompson. She was proceeded in death by her parents; in-laws, Vern and Margaret Kersten; her sister, Kristi Thompson and beloved friends, Cork and Judy Klitzman.

Those who knew her will remember her smile, beautiful eyes and her kindness. Visitation services will be held from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. on August 29, 2024, at Ward-Hurtley Funeral Home, Evansville. Followed by a Funeral Service at 12:00 p.m. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery, Evansville. Followed by a late lunch at St. John's Lutheran Church, Evansville, WI. Ward-Hurtley Funeral Home, Evansville is assisting the family.