Laura Jean Arneson was born on February 16, 1960, in Forsyth, MT to Clarence O. and Constance J. (Faust) Arneson. After a courageous battle with cancer, Laurie passed away July 27, 2019 at her home surrounded by her family.
Laurie attended school at Rancher and Hysham schools where she enjoyed Pep Club and singing in the choir. She was also active in 4-H.
On January 15th, 1977, Laurie married her childhood sweetheart, Billy Willems in Billings, MT. They enjoyed farming and ranching together for the rest of her life. She was a member of the Hysham Volunteer Fire Department, alongside Billy, for seven years. She was also a lifelong member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, and her Christian faith was very important to her.
Laurie was very creative and enjoyed cake decorating, sewing, jewelry making, and crocheting in her spare time. She loved animals, the outdoors, and working on the farm; but especially enjoyed driving the swather. Laurie was a devoted wife and mother. She was an especially strong influence in the lives of her grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband Billy of Hysham, daughter Amy (Gary) Kimberlin and son Shawn of Hysham, eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, her sister Julie (Brian) Tagney of Kimball, MN, her brother Brian (Danette) Arneson of Billings, MT, and sister-in-law Dee Arneson of Belgrade, MT.
Laurie was preceded in death by her mother Connie, father Clarence, and brother Leslie, as well as great-grandchildren Mya and Ava.
Those who wish to do so may donate in Laurie’s name to the American Cancer Society or Rancher’s Cemetery Fund.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Thursday August 1, 2019
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Funeral Service
11:00 am
Friday August 2, 2019
St. Joseph Catholic Church
206 Orchard Ave
Hysham, MT 59038
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Thursday August 1, 2019
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Funeral Service
11:00 am
Friday August 2, 2019
St. Joseph Catholic Church
206 Orchard Ave
Hysham, MT 59038
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Terri L. Coldwell says
Billy and family, Laurie was a special kind of gal. She delt with a lot, been through a lot. I know she loved Billy with all her heart. You both were pretty much inseparable. She was very attached the her grandkids as well. I did not get to see her a lot but I always knew she was in Hysham. She has always been a good friend to me through high school til now. May she rest in peace and know we all loved her a lot even tho, especially me, by not showing it buy not coming to see her like I should have. Laurie told me when I saw here while she was in the hospital that when she goes, she will say hi to my dad & mom. The good lord loves that girl to. It is sometimes hard to share someone that special.
Larry & Vicky Fink says
Our deepest sympathy to Laurie’s family.
Colette Pedder Butcher says
Billy and family, I am deeply saddened by Laura’s passing. She and I have kept in touch every since our school days in Hysham. I know she was the love of your life, Billy, and she was so very proud of her kids and grandkids. We were always swapping grandkid stories. Laura was a very special lady and will be missed by all that knew her. Cherish all your wonderful memories. RiP my friend.
Don & Becky Criswell says
So sorry for your loss. Laurie was truly a genuine person. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Lynn Tompkins says
I always enjoyed visiting with Laura when we crossed paths at N.A.P.A. or at events in Hysham. I am sorry to hear of her passing. Hold her memories close in your heart, she will always be with you.
Thelma Beyl says
Amy, so sorry to hear about your mother. My prayers for you and your family.
Roger and Aileen Swinney says
We are so sorry for yoir loss
Lairoe was a true friend and i am so glad i got to visit while she was in BILLINGS. Love and prayers sent your way.
Nancy syljuberget white says
My deepest condolences for the family.
Blake hert says
To my second mom! Thank you for the life lessons you have shown Shawn and I! You were truly an inspiration and an amazing pioneer in the modern age! To Billy: I am sorry for your loss, you and mom were always great to be around and I enjoyed every short talk or smile we all shared! To Amy: your mother will be missed but never forgotten! And finally to my little brother Shawn: I have already told you there are no words to be spoken of the soro that was felt when I received that fateful call! I am truly great full to have known your mom as mine! I love you guys!!
Lori catalano says
Billy and all… I am so sorry to hear of laurie’s passing may you find peace in all your memories❤❤
Debbie Clifton Toavs says
Billy, Amy and Shawn and to the rest of the family; There are no words that can express the sadness we all feel with this news. Know that she will never be forgotten and her memories live on! I pray that God will hold you each up and give you exceptional strength and peace during this time!
Ralph Sutich says
All My Prayers Are With The Family Of Laura And Her Friends So Sorry For Your Loss May God Hold You In His Hands And Give You Peace And Comfort And Strength
Deb Anderson says
Billly, Amy, Shawn, and the love of her life her gand and great grand children. Your wife, mom and grandmother was a ver sepcial lady. She is going to be missed by many. I have many great memories of this wonderful lady and loved every conversation and moment we shared and I am so lucky she let me into her and your lives. Her love for her God was stronge and she is at peace and in no more pain. God has gained a wonderful Angel and she will always be watching over you. Sing loud with the Angels Laurie, and rest in peace.
James and Debbie Prine says
So so sorry for your loss. You’re family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Deb Hagemeister says
Bill and family — so sorry to hear about Laurie — I always enjoyed visiting with her as she was so enthusiastic about everything — our thoughts and prayers are with you —
Lisa Gibb says
Billy and family-I cannot believe that Laurie is now gone. But she is both out of pain and flying with the angels. She and I used to discuss our children, grandkids, and great grandkids as I believe that she and I were the only 2 great grandmas from our class! Thank you for all that you gave my beautiful friend. I will see you again one day!
Karen Sable (Kimball) says
Billy, I was not aware of Laurie having cancer. I offer my condolences and sincerely hope and pray the good Lord is holding all your family in his strong loving arms. I remember Laurie’s brilliant smile that was always there and her laugh.
Gary Perkins and Mary Williams says
We enjoyed knowing Laurie. She was a real sweetie.
Tana Re says
Billy, Amie, Shawn, Brian, Danette, Julie Dee, Chase & all the families of Laurie; I am so astounded in learning today of Laurie’s death. We had communications in early July & I didn’t realize ……I guess none of us believe that day will come. Laurie is & was an amazing human! I loved our impromptu meetings & conversations over the years. Loving you all – my extended family – and grieving with you. I am so very sorry for your loss of this exceptional lady. Peace be with you all. I’m sorry I did not attend anything!!! I didn’t know & my heart hurts because I wasn’t there for you all. My thoughts, prayers & love is forever with you all. Love Tana
Paula Childers says
Dearest Laurie, you’ve been gone a month and I just now found out! You were a bright and shiny star among people. You and I shared our great love of animals, especially our dogs. I enjoyed our visits at the vet’s in Hysham and on Facebook. I will miss your zest for life and animals. Rest in peace sweetie, you will be missed so much by so many. My heartfelt sympathies to your family, you loved them so much.