Laurel Einerwold

Laurel Gene Einerwold was born on December 21, 1951, in Bertha, MN, to William and Geneva Einerwold. He was the third-born child in the family and was given the middle name "Gene" after his mother. He lived most of his life on his farm near Eagle Bend, a place that shaped who he was and where he felt most at home. He died unexpectedly at his farm on January 7, 2026.

Laurel attended Eagle Bend High School, where he was involved in many activities including band, choir, football, basketball, baseball, and theater. He was selected as his high school's representative for Boys State Prep in 1968, a civics and leadership program sponsored by the American Legion. He graduated in 1969 and attended Moorhead State University for one year.

A lifelong hard worker, Laurel held a variety of jobs over the years. He farmed for 50 years, beginning in 1975 when he purchased his own farm adjacent to his parents. He continued farming, eventually moving to the family farm in the early 2000s. In addition to farming, he held a variety of jobs over his working years, holding positions with Ames Sand and Gravel, General Nutrition Mills, Eagle Bend Produce, Long Prairie Sanitation, and the Long Prairie Fleet. Most recently, he was a driver for many of his Amish neighbors and friends, relationships he valued deeply.

Laurel was a Minnesota sports fan through and through, faithfully cheering on the Vikings, Twins, Timberwolves, and Gophers – in good times and in bad. He loved jokes and good stories, both telling them and hearing them, and didn't take life too seriously.

Laurel loved the outdoors and was happiest when he was outside. He enjoyed campfires, giving hayrides on the farm, fishing, annual deer hunting with family, and sharing meals. He loved to sing and was a member of the church choir earlier in life. He was a collector of vintage farm and country items.

Laurel was married to Renae Olson from 1970-1975, and they had two children, Ryan and Randy. He was also married to JoEllen (Dittrich) Reeck from 1980-1997 and had two more children, Christopher and Chelsea.

For the past 11 years, Laurel shared his life with his partner, Charlotte Aspengren. They spent time both at the farm and at her home in Pocatello, ID, enjoying adventures and time together.

Laurel had many meaningful friendships throughout his life. He deeply missed friends Danny Lorentz and Dale Perkins. He stayed in close contact with his good friend Rick Olek, and his good friend and cousin, Byron Wheeler. He was especially grateful for the friendship and support of Rick Host, with whom he shared both work and camaraderie on their respective farms.

The past few years brought many health challenges for Laurel. He pursued care and support, and his family remains committed to honoring his full life.

Laurel was preceded in death by his parents, William and Geneva Einerwold, and brother-in-law, Jim Hansmeyer. He is survived by his siblings: Candy (Jim) Hansmeyer, Larry (Sue) Einerwold, and Karin (Curt) Muth. Laurel especially admired his older sister Candy and often answered questions with, "Ask Candy," having full confidence that she would know. He is also survived by his children: Ryan Dean, Randy Einerwold, Christopher (Amber) Einerwold, and Chelsea (Christian) Ornelas; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren; along with aunts, uncles, cousins, and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Laurel's life will be held this spring or early summer. More details will be shared when available.