Laurie Mary Spychalla

Laurie Spychalla, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 21, 2024, surrounded by her children at the Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis. She was 89 years young.

All activities will take place at Christ the King Catholic Church in Browerville.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, December 27, 2024, at noon at the Christ the King Catholic Church in Browerville. A rosary will be prayed on Thursday, December 26, 2024, at the church at 3:45 PM, followed by visitation until 7:00 PM.  A prayer service will take place at 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue the day of Mass at the church one hour prior.  Burial at the church cemetery will immediately follow the mass.

In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to Christ the King Catholic Church of Browerville.

A ray of sunshine to all who knew her, Laurie Mary (Lyszchyn) Spychalla was born on June 14, 1935, in South Hadley, Massachusetts, to Nicholas and Mary (Dudrick) Lyszchyn. She was one of eight children in a loving family that instilled in her a strong work ethic and a sense of community. Laurie went to be with the Lord on December 21, 2024 surrounded by her loving family.

After attending school, Laurie worked at the Whiting Paper Company, where she met a young Navy sailor, Valerian “Bud” Spychalla. The couple was united in marriage on July 3, 1954, at St. Theresa’s Chapel in Massachusetts. In 1961, the growing family relocated to Long Prairie, Minnesota, to be closer to Bud’s family. Eventually, they settled on a farm in rural Browerville, where Laurie and Bud raised their six children: Valerie, Stanley, Tina, Lisa, Tracy, and Kyle. Together, Laurie and Bud farmed the land, raised animals, and nurtured a large garden with the help of their children. They canned and froze much of the harvest, turning it into a family affair and creating memories that would last a lifetime.

When she wasn’t working with Bud on the farm and caring for their family, she also worked at Browerville Public and Catholic Schools. Laurie found joy in a variety of hobbies. She had a love for flower gardening, reading, agate hunting, bowling, doing jigsaw puzzles, and was a card-playing enthusiast. Laurie enjoyed lively gatherings with her neighborhood friends, often filled with laughter and mischief. She had a legendary sense of humor, known for pulling pranks and always bringing a playful energy to any occasion. Her “Timbuktu!” response when asked where she was going with her family became a beloved catchphrase.

Laurie thrived in the daily rhythm of cooking, baking, and caring for her home. Her Kluski soup, homemade breads, baked goods, and pierogies were favorites among family and friends. No one ever entered her home without being offered something to eat or a hot cup of coffee, and no one left empty-handed. Whether it was spending time around the table with family or hosting card club with Bud, Laurie’s home was a place of comfort, love, and endless hospitality.

Laurie and Bud enjoyed snowmobiling, often spending time on the trails with the Drift Skippers Club. Laurie’s infectious spirit, spunky personality, and her comforting hugs will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Laurie is survived by her children: Valerie Spychalla of Little Falls, Stanley Spychalla of Browerville, Tina (Pete) Luberts of Long Prairie, Lisa (Doug) Kraus of Elk River, Tracy Hanson of Maple Grove, and Kyle (Tina) Spychalla of Browerville; siblings, Romeo Lyszchyn, Nicholas Lyndon, Alfred Lyszchyn, and Marie Marion; 19 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Nicholas and Mary Lyszchyn; her beloved husband, Bud; three siblings, Edward Lyndon, Olga Kloss, and Anna Williams; and daughter-in-law, Babe Spychalla.

Laurie’s love, laughter, and warmth will forever be cherished by her family and all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.