Laura Greenwood

Laura Lynn Greenwood was born September 8, 1963 to Jerud and Jeanne Greenwood in St. Paul, Minnesota.  Laura’s childhood was spent growing up in Centuria, Wisconsin with her parents and four sisters.  She enjoyed the activities most children of the time enjoyed – riding bike, fishing, listening to records.  As a teen, Laura did a lot of babysitting, establishing a lifelong friendship with one special family, the Nelsons.

Laura graduated from Unity High School in 1981 and continued her education at the University of Wisconsin–Platteville where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education.  Laura built a career as a preschool teacher in daycare settings, making a difference in hundreds of “little lives” over the years.

As an adult, Laura made her home in East St. Paul.  Wanting so much to be a mom, her proudest achievement was becoming a parent, first to Niko then later to Krystopher. Most of her adult life was focused around raising her two boys as she guided them to become strong and good men. She was very proud of them.

Laura was an animal lover since childhood and found joy in being a “pet parent.”  She loved old movies and classic TV shows, word games, monarch butterflies, and spending time with her friends.  She had a hard work ethic and a generous heart. She would do anything for those she loved and help anyone that she could help.  Her friends and family enjoyed her dry and sarcastic style of wit and humor.

Though Laura faced many obstacles in her life, she was a strong person who always just marched on, focused on gratitude for what was going right, and hope for what the future could bring. She didn’t look back.  This was highlighted when Laura was hospitalized with Covid-19 on December 1.  The hospital staff commented that she did whatever was asked of her, she never complained, and she was a pleasure to care for.  Laura was always strong – in life and in Faith.  The Lord finally called her to peace on December 15, 2021.

Laura is preceded in death by her parents, Jerud Greenwood and Jeanne Greenwood Schueble (Kirchgatter), grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.  She is survived by her children Niko (Stephanie) Greenwood and Krystopher Greenwood; her sisters, Diane (David) Kurtz, Karin (Andy) Kromrey, Cindy (Ron Bukovich) Greenwood, and Tina (Craig) Friedel; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. 

Celebration of Laura's life will be held at 3:00pm on Thursday, December 30th at Mueller Memorial, 835 Johnson Parkway St. Paul with visitation beginning at 1:30pm.