Laura peacefully passed away at the age of 90 on April 23, 2015. She was a mother to three children - Carol Corbin, Arnold and Wayne Solsvik, nine grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

Born Oct. 22, 1924, to Herbert and Pearl Zierlein, in Arnold, Neb., Laura grew up in a musical family learning to play the accordion, piano, and organ. The fourth of four girls - Grace, Leona, Irma and herself, their family survived the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl, and traveled west to start a new life. They settled in Cougar Gulch, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, where she grew up and fell in love with her first husband, Roy Solsvik. Roy preceded Laura in death, passing away in 1982, at the age of 67.

Laura enjoyed gardening, making her own butter and jams, sewing, cooking, and keeping a clean and cozy home. She entered breads and cakes in the county fair, often in friendly competition with her sisters, and brought home countless blue ribbons.

Laura owned her own business, was able to travel the U.S. RVing with her second husband, Duane Lura, and enjoyed spending winters in Yuma, Ariz. She adored her grandchildren to the fourth generation - crocheting baby quilts and attending their births and special occasions as she was able.

Laura later married Frank Bensel, a special love, losing him too soon to cancer.

Laura was blessed with good health and lots of energy. She loved to dance and kept waltzing until her stroke in 2012. She enjoyed the last couple of years working her puzzles, playing an occasional game of Yahtzee, and treasuring visits from her loved ones.

“Love is stronger than death even though it can’t stop death from happening, but no matter how hard death tries, it can’t separate people from love. And it cannot take away our memories. In the end, love is stronger than death.” Unknown

A private family gathering will be held in celebration of her life.