Obituary of Laurena Leigh Sundberg

Laurena was born April 27, 1924 to Walter and Margaret (Rose) Gray in Duluth’s Graham Hospital.  She grew up in Lakewood township and lived there until moving to St. Paul, MN in 2008.  She was married to William Sundberg on October 9, 1939.

Laurena is survived by her sons, Gerald (Laura) of Duluth, MN, Bruce of St. Paul, MN, David (Diane) of Watha, NC, grandsons Walter (Chanda) Sundberg of Superior, WI, Ryan Sundberg of Castle Hayne, NC, granddaughters Sharon Sundberg of Duluth, MN, Jolene Johnson of Superior, WI, and great-grandchildren Page Sleet of Duluth, MN, Catera Larson of San Antonio, TX, and Gabriel Johnson of Castle Hayne, NC.  Laurena was preceded in death by her husband, parents, sister Verna Gravelle, and daughter-in-law Helen (Rusty) Sundberg.

Laurena was a member of the French River Lutheran Church where she was active in the woman’s group, especially the Swedish Martha Circle, members of whom taught her to sing in Swedish.  She served as Sunday school and vacation bible school superintendent and teacher for many years.  She also enjoyed singing in the choir and served as soloist for many weddings and funerals.  Laurena volunteered setting hair for residents and leading sing-a-longs at Lakeshore Lutheran Home for 21 years.  There she served as volunteer coordinator, activities director, and auxiliary president at various times.

Laurena enjoyed outdoor activities including gardening, hiking and fishing.  She was also quite the master crafter.  She enjoyed hand-painting rosemaling on the beautiful items her husband made in his wood shop.  Outside of rosemaling, her family is pretty sure she never met a craft she didn’t like and her artwork, doodles, and handiwork could be found throughout her home.

A private family service will be scheduled.