Laura Gessel

Laura Lee Gessel

October 28, 1953 ~ January 9, 2017

Laura Lee Gessel, 63, passed away in Murray, Utah on Monday, January 9, 2017 from respiratory failure resulting from pneumonia.

Born on October 28, 1953 in Ogden, Utah as the first child to Verl L. and Patricia Orme Gessel, Laura came into this world with mental and physical handicaps which she would have to work diligently to overcome throughout her life.  With unwavering faith, determination and tenacity, Laura rose above her challenges and was able to accomplish much during her life on this earth.

Laura attended Riverdale and MarLon Elementary Schools, South Junior High and walked through commencement exercises at Bonneville High School as a member of the Class of 1974, receiving special recognition for her educational attendance and successes.

Through her perseverance, she was able to obtain a driver's license. She worked at IRS, Cutter Laboratories and Delmed. Laura was punctual and dependable with her responsibilities, and she had an incredible memory.

Born into a family of musicians, Laura learned to love music and studied piano and organ. She enjoyed several years singing with the Tri-Valley single adult choir of Ogden, Utah. She blessed many family and friends with her gifts on the piano, and she also served as a Relief Society pianist in her Park City ward.

Her family and friends meant everything to her; she loved them unconditionally and was a special “little friend” to all who knew her.  Until the very end Laura was asking about the well-being of her friends and family, whom she loved dearly.

Laura blessed the lives of her family and friends with the skills that she developed in crocheting, embroidery and knitting by making hats and Afghans.  Many will look at the Afghans draped over their couches for years to come and remember Laura's love for them. She also knitted and donated many hats to the LDS Humanitarian Center.

Laura knew she was a child of God and had the faith of a child throughout her life.  She was an active, life-long member of The Church of Jesus-Christ of Latter-day Saints, sharing both the Gospel and her testimony with many of those with whom she came in contact.

Laura is survived by her parents and siblings, Verl L. and Patricia Gessel, Bonnie (David) Felger, Raymond (Laurie) Gessel, and Alan (Ann) Gessel, as well as 14 nieces and nephews and 29 grand-nieces and nephews.

The family is grateful to the loving staff of the Chrysalis and Frontline organizations, to the caring medical staff of the University of Utah Neurobehavior HOME Program, and to Laura's many teachers, friends, mentors, and medical providers for their services throughout Laura's life. Laura's last gift was her eyes for macular degeneration research at the University of Utah.  In lieu of flowers, and for those who wish to do something in Laura's remembrance, the family would suggest a donation to UAID Utah, to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Missionary and Humanitarian Funds, or to a charity of choice.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2017 at 2 p.m. at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd.  Friends may visit with family on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. Whitewood LDS Church Ward Building, 3555 West 5620 South, Taylorsville, Utah, and Saturday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the mortuary.  Interment, Ben Lomond Cemetery, North Ogden.  All who knew Laura are invited to attend.