Laurel Jensen Falconer

Laurel A. Jenson Falconer, age 82, of Alexandria, died Friday, February 17, 2017, at Grand Arbor in Alexandria.

Laurel Audrey Gaarder was born on October 23, 1934 in Starbuck, MN to John and Margaret (Noyes) Gaarder. She graduated from Glenwood High School in 1952 and then went on to continue her education by taking business schooling to become a paralegal. In April of 1954, Laurel was married to Dean Jensen. They made their home in Alexandria and Laurel was hired by the Bob Swenson law firm. During her long career as a paralegal, Laurel also did work for the law firms of Bob Pappenfus and Bill Luethner. She also served many years on the Board of Directors for the Viking Savings and Loan in Alexandria, MN. After Dean's death, Laurel married David Falconer in 1982. She belonged to the Bethesda Lutheran Church and was always counted on to help bake for the annual church bazaar. Laurel was an excellent cook and loved to bake. She always kept her family supplied with large batches of homemade breads and cookies. Sewing was another of her talents and many hours were spent in the company of friends working on various quilting or sewing projects. She could repurpose anything into a quilt and made some beautiful ones out of discarded wedding dresses. Laurel has made her home at the Grand Arbor Apartments in Alexandria since 2012.

She is survived by her son, Mike and Lola Jensen of Osakis; grandchildren, Michael Karau and Jaimie Jensen; 10 great grandchildren; siblings, Dennis & Shirley Gaarder of Chaska, Gary & Irene Gaarder of St. Cloud, Frances & Carroll Welte of Ramsey, Corrine Iverson of Minneapolis, Ronald & Joan Gaarder of Elk River and Vernon & Gail Gaarder of Plymouth; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Ready to welcome her home are her parents, husbands, a son, Greg Jensen, granddaughter, Melissa Schmidt and grandson, C.J. Karau.

Funeral services for Laurel were held on Tuesday, February 21, 2017, at the Roy-Hetland Funeral Home Chapel in Osakis with Rev. Jerry Lanes officiating. Interment was at the Nelson Cemetery in Nelson, MN.

Arrangements are with Roy-Hetland Funeral Home in Osakis.