Laurie Jeannine Giesen

At the age of 58, Laurie Jeannine Giesen passed away suddenly in California on June 15, 2017 while engaged in some of her life-long passions of hiking and wilderness photography. A resident of Lake Forest, Illinois, Laurie was born in Bronxville, New York, on September 30, 1958 to her parents Richard Allyn Giesen and Jeannine St. Bernard Giesen. She is survived by her mother, two brothers (Mark and Rick), nieces (Lindsay and Soleil), nephews (Spencer, Reggie and Noah), aunt and uncle (Jim and Mary Klebe), and cousins (Steven and Peter Klebe). Laurie will always be remembered for her life-giving care of others and her ubiquitous laughter. Laurie's entrepreneurial pursuits included being a professional Photographer and also the Founder and Owner of a successful coffee business called Café Terrific. In addition, Laurie lovingly wrote books and articles for nationally recognized publications about others in all stages of life, and was a producer for CBS Evening News with Dan Rather in New York and is credited with successfully opening the CBS News bureau in Seattle. Laurie went on to become a vice president of public relations for Ackerley Communications (owner of TV and radio stations, and the Seattle Supersonics). Laurie attended Woodlands Academy and graduated from Lake Forest High School, and received her B.A. from Duke University in 1980. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, September 23 at First Presbyterian Church of Lake Forest, IL. and will commence at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her memory to First Presbyterian Church of Lake Forest. "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help." Psalm 121

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Published by The Desert Sun on Jul. 30, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Laurie Giesen

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17 Entries

Linnea Carlson Melvin

July 14, 2022

Laurie was an amazing friend. We shared so much laughter at CBS News. She was such a darling friend and I adored our visit when I came to Chicago during the time I was working in South Dakota. I think of Laurie and remember what I referred to as her "cotton candy face" of fluffy hair and such a joyous smile. I miss her great laugh and happy spirit.

Alan W Abramowitz

February 12, 2021

Still miss you after all these years; your friendship our shared passion for photography but especially I miss your joie de vivre.

Anne Simpson

November 10, 2018

I was just thinking about Laurie and goggled her name and am so saddened to learn of her passing.
We had not spoken in years but shared many wonderful times together in Seattle, Chicago and Monterey. She was just such fun.. tooling around in her beloved convertible. My sincere sympathy to her
family.

Sue Metzger lyons

September 1, 2017

So many great memories! Still having a hard time believing that Laurie is no longer here. My deepest sympathy to your family. peace...

August 7, 2017

When I think of Laurie, I smile. With her tremendous energy and exuberant spirit, she brought laughter, keen insight and many happy times to her group of Duke Friends. She will be remembered fondly by all of us who knew her. My deepest sympathies to Laurie's family and close friends.
Tina Nugent

July 31, 2017

It is not in the rhythm of life to have a child predecease her parents. We know Jeaninne and the rest of your family is devastated as you try to comprehend Laurie's death. Her short life was filled with so many incredible accomplishments...so amazing for one so young. The list goes on and on. What a beautiful story of her life. And besides her talents, she loved the great outdoors and gave so much to her family and friends.
God speed, beautiful lady, as you join your Dad.
With love, Judy and Doug Petrie

Valerie Crotty

July 31, 2017

Laurie your smile, laugh and warm, wonderful personality were gifts you gave to all who knew you. You reached out to me when you found out that we were both going from LFHS to Duke. That meant a lot to me and our time together at Duke is a special memory that makes me smile. May you rest in peace.

Margaret Mahood Mills

July 31, 2017

Laurie, you are a wonderful memory when I think back on our days at Duke. Your kindness, warmth, sense of humor, and big smile will always be remembered. I am so grateful that I was able to visit with you at our last college gathering. You will be missed. God bless you.

TVR, Jackson Hole '75

July 22, 2017

HW.

July 22, 2017

May the family find comfort from God's word at Matthew 5:4 Where it says "Happy are those who mourn since they will be comforted. "

Julie Houser

July 22, 2017

Laurie, you made my world lighter..
brighter. Your smile and your friendship are etched in my heart forever. Pinky promise never to forget you.

Sandra Spencer-Steele

July 19, 2017

We will miss you Laurie.
God bless your beautiful soul.

Shelley Quinn Hall

July 17, 2017

Laurie was such a great friend, I am sad that we lost touch over the years. Miss your laugh Laurie. Look up my Mom and Dad in Heaven, remember Flash and Twinkle toes????

Paula Hart Oneil

July 16, 2017

its been a long time but Laurie is forever in my favorite memories back in Glencoe and then at Teton Valley Ranch. Best laugh ever and I loved how everyone was "hon" to her.

Karen Wehman Kennedy

July 16, 2017

Laurie was such a joyful soul. Condolences to all.

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