Laurie Ann Green

Laurie Green, 57, passed away on May 23, 2024, after a long and courageous battle with ALS. She was surrounded by family at her home in Houlton, WI.

Laurie was born on September 1, 1966 in Saint Paul, MN, to James and Barbara Peterson.

After graduating from Mounds View High School, Laurie attended the University of Wisconsin-Stout and the University of Wisconsin-River Falls earning a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts. Later, Laurie dedicated her career to helping kids with special needs as a Paraprofessional for the Hudson School District. She took great pride in her work and always went above and beyond making sure each student felt cared for and loved. She once wrote “I have a passion for helping students. Every child is unique, and it is my goal to find how they learn best.”

Laurie married Stuart Green on October 21, 1989 at United Church of Christ in New Brighton, MN. Their marriage was blessed with 2 children, Rose and Calvin Green.

Laurie was best known for her devotion to her family and friends. She naturally just knew how to love people. Laurie was always the one to greet you with a smile and the most welcoming spirit. It was easy to laugh with Laurie because she always found joy and humor in anything. She looked at life through adventure and fun which was easy to get drawn into within minutes of visiting. Laurie was the one people looked up to, always having great taste in home decor and fashion. She always had others in her heart knowing the best way to care for everyone. She would volunteer her time on the Sunshine Committee at Willow River Elementary, which inspired close friends to start their own Sunshine Committee at their local schools. The teachers and staff would receive special notes, cards or gifts on special occasions or birthdays. Laurie was also very organized and crafty, creating memory books for her family and friends for trips, birthdays, anniversary, dance recitals and more. Two of Laurie’s favorite things were reading and going to concerts. She would often be found buried in her books, many times reading more than two at a time. She was actively involved in her local book club and if she wasn’t at home reading, she would travel the country with her family and friends attending concerts. One of her favorite bands were the Indigo Girls. She also enjoyed local bands and would make frequent visits to their concerts. Although Laurie was always doing things for others, she also knew how to enjoy simple things in life such as Sunday family dinners on the grill, a bottle of wine and reality TV.

Laurie is survived by her loving husband Stuart Green; children Rose Green, Calvin (Kendall Johnson) Green; sisters Jennifer (Billy) Peterson Forbrook, Raynae (Bob) Atchison; sister-in-law Denise (Daniel) Johnson; brother-in-law Scott Green; nieces and nephews Ben, Max, Josie, Chloe, Bobby, Chuck, Melissa (DJ), Aaron (Michelle); best friend Jane Ann (Steve) Davis; and a host of other family and friends.

Laurie is preceded in death by her parents James and Barbara Peterson; and parents-in-law Charles and Beverly Green.

A Celebration of Life for Laurie will be held on Sunday, July 14th, 2024 starting at 1:00pm at the Larson Barn, 220 WI-65 River Falls, WI 54022.

Memorial contributions will be donated in Laurie’s name to River Valley Special Olympics.