Laura J. Thom, 82

Laura was born in Priest River, Idaho to Aldon and Inga (Evenson) Hammeren. She moved to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho in June 1953.

Laura began dating Bob after moving to Coeur d’Alene. During this time Laura moved to California to try something different. While in California Bob drove there to ask her to move home. On the way back to Coeur d’Alene, Bob told her that they were going to get married, which they did on May 3, 1958. Bob was her first love as a young lady; they loved and lived in Coeur d’Alene for 46 years. She doted over Bob and was loyal to him until his passing in 2004. She cared for him immensely, and it was reflected in her loyalty and dedication. There they raised their two beautiful daughters where both graduated and began their lives as adults.

In the early years, Laura worked for Billie Wo’s and the Brunswick Café. After her family was grown and on their own, she worked for the Coeur d’Alene School District Transportation Department as an aide.

With loving hands, Laura crafted outfits for her girls as they were growing up. She continued this for her grandchildren as each were born. When Laura’s daughters were married, she sewed the gowns for the bridesmaids. Her children and grandchildren also have a quilt or afghan created by her for them.

Laura enjoyed camping, fishing, and motorcycle riding with family and friends. Once a year, they gathered at Spirit Lake for a “Fish & Fall In The Lake Derby”. She loved shutting her eyes and listening to the boat motor purr, knowing exactly when Bob had reached trolling speed. On one trip to Lake Pend Oreille, it was more than exciting as a storm quickly came in and they fought the lake to safely return to shore.

Laura’s travels included trips to Alaska where she traveled for the birth of her grandchildren. On one trip she and Bob made an epic 1000-mile road trip with her children and grandchildren to see the last frontier, sightseeing, fishing, and creating special memories. She fished on a halibut fishing charter where she, as usual, caught the biggest halibut at 45 lbs. She was the happiest when spending time with her grandchildren or on the water fishing for the big one. She traveled to Norway with her mom to visit the birth places of her family. She also visited the Washington coast with her mom and sisters.

Her son-in-law of 45 years will never forget how accepting and loving she was. He hung out at her home nightly and enjoyed her wonderful cooking and company. Then, later, when the family would travel back home to Coeur d’Alene, with three small kids running through the house, she continued her grace and hospitality. She was a second mom to him.

Along with fishing, Laura enjoyed bowling, grouse and pheasant hunting, skeet shooting, Sunday Press crosswords, jigsaw puzzles, sewing, quilting, knitting, crocheting, cross stitching, and Norwegian Genealogy/Ancestry.

Laura was a strong and principled lady who was very proud of her Norwegian heritage. Even in the face of a devastating illness she was strong and courageous. She continued to fight when most would have given up.

She is survived by her sister, Linda Lundeberg; daughters, Becky Latham, and Debbie Smith; son-in-law, Ken Latham; five grandchildren: Sarah, Zack, Amy, Heather, and Dylan; five great-grandchildren: Tyler, Kailee, Thomas, Audriana, and Caden; and a loving friend, Jack Cochrane.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, July 16, 2022, at Yates Funeral Home – Hayden Chapel, 373 E. Hayden Ave. Hayden, Idaho 83835. A graveside at Coeur d’Alene Memorial Gardens will follow the funeral. Everyone is invited to come back to the chapel for a reception after the graveside. Please visit Laura’s online memorial and sign her guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com