Laurene Ann Lanich

Laurene Ann Lanich, 69, of Marion, Iowa, passed away suddenly due to an accidental fall on October 29, 2024. Laurene was born in December of 1954 to Lloyd and Dora McClintock in Waterloo, Iowa. She was one of six children proudly claiming the fifth spot. In August of 1975, Stephen and Laurene went on a first date. They later married at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa on December 2, 1978. Not too far after they wed, they welcomed their first child, Natalie, and four years later, "scene stealer" Jacob came along. This little family enjoyed numerous trips to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and Northern Minnesota with Patrick, Barbara, and Erika McClintock. As the family grew, Laurene welcomed a second daughter through marriage, Tiffany Lanich. Three wonderful grandchildren Quinton Heineman-19, Audrey Heineman-17, and Milo-11. Their family adventures continued with their most recent one to celebrate Steve and Laurene's 45th Wedding Anniversary in the Virgin Islands. Laurene knew from early on that she wanted to pursue an educational career. She completed her undergraduate studies and received her Ph.D in Educational Leadership from the University of Northern Iowa. She took her passion for education, serving as a Principal in the Marion Independent School District and College Community School District. She later became a Superintendent in Marengo, a Director of Special Education at Grant Wood AEA, and retired from West Des Moines School Systems as an Associate Superintendent. After retirement, she became a principal at Summit Schools and served on the Board of Trustees. Laurene is survived by her husband Stephen of Marion, Natalie Heineman of Solon, and Jacob (Tiffany) Lanich of Waterloo. Her grandchildren are Quinton Heineman, Audrey Heineman, and Milo Lanich. Her siblings Linda (Bill) Zick, Lynn (Michael) Borich, Barbara McClintock, Luanne McClintock, and Debbie (Richard) LaBrie. In addition, she has many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and -nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Dora McClintock, brothers Bobby and Patrick McClintock, and her father- and mother-in-law, Dr. Oscar Lanich and Anne Lanich. A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, November 8, 2024, at 10:00 AM at St. Pius Catholic Church, with visitation one hour prior. A livestream of the Mass may be accessed on the funeral home website tribute page for Laurene under "photos and videos or media," starting at 10:00 AM on Friday, November 8, 2024. Memorials may be directed to Summit Schools. Please share a memory of Laurene at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.