Laurie B. Hess, 67, of Overland Park, KS, passed away on December 9, 2021 surrounded by her husband and children after a brain aneurysm. Laurie was born on September 23, 1954, to Ethel and Armin Behnke in Wausau, WI. After graduating from Wausau East High School in 1973, she went on to study Occupational Therapy at Mount Mary College in Milwaukee, WI. After graduation, she began helping people regain functionality of their bodies as an occupational therapist at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire, WI, kicking off 42 years in health care service.

She met Steve in 1974 when they worked together as counselors at Camp Luther, a Christian summer camp. They were married on August 18, 1979, and were the happy parents of Colin Armin and Lauren Esther. After retiring in 2020, Laurie spent her time reading, playing the piano, knitting socks and caps for cancer patients, gardening, especially roses and tomatoes and playing with her cat "Squeaker".

What brought Laurie joy was surprising and delighting others; her heart was big and her love ran deep- she was a giver through and through. She enjoyed planting colorful flowers in the garden, tending to her tomatoes and collecting beautiful garden roses, which she loved to share with others. She loved games, a good book, a heartfelt movie, and watching the leaves change in autumn, her favorite season. She found peace by water, the fresh breeze of the outdoors and a sunny spot in the sun. She was happiest spending time with family and friends and laughing with others.

"The stars in heaven will definitely shine brighter tonight with Laurie there. She was always such joy to visit with. We will always remember Laurie for her energy and zest for life. She was truly loved."

"Laurie was so kind and giving.  All I can think of is her beautiful spirit and smile. I am so thankful to have met her. She was a wonderful friend to me."

Laurie was preceded in death by her father Armin C. Behnke, her mother, Ethel J. Behnke Bohl, her brother, Bruce R. Behnke. She is survived by husband, Steven M. Hess, son, Colin A. Hess and Maria Gabriela Ortiz, daughter, Lauren E. (Hess) Lamaster and her husband, Cory R. Lamaster. Laurie is also survived by her brother, Rev. Allen L. Behnke and wife, Barbara Behnke and sister, Bonnie J.(Behnke) Penno and husband, Mark Penno, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

This is shock and pain beyond imagining but we rest assured in the Resurrection and know we will see our beloved Laurie again. Thanks to all of you for your love, support and prayers as we move through this inevitable life experience. Please join us for a Celebration of Life Service at Atonement Lutheran Church on Saturday, January 22, 2022, at 10:30 am. The service will be live-streamed and you will find it by visiting this link:

https://tinyurl.com/lauriehes…

Laurie loved flowers and you can join the fun by sending them to our home address listed on this site.  We'll take them to the church for this service to celebrate her life. If you wish to make a donation, please see the special donation to Atonement Lutheran Church on this site.

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