Laura Schrankler

Laura Ann Schrankler, age 25 of Cottage Grove, passed away unexpectedly due to complications following cardiac arrest on July 19, 2022.

A visitation will be held to celebrate her life on Monday, July 25, 2022 from 4:00 – 7:00 pm at The Church of St. Rita, 8694 – 80th Street S, Cottage Grove.  Mass of Christian Burial will be 1:00 pm Tuesday, July 26, 2022, also at The Church of St. Rita.  Donations in her memory can be made to the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program Twin Cities .

Laura was born February 19, 1997, in St. Paul, Minnesota to Jim and Pam Schrankler.  From day one, she brought joy and sunshine to everyone she came into contact with.  Laura graduated from Park High School in 2015 where she was active in soccer, lacrosse, National Honor Society and several other clubs and organizations.  She had always loved children which led her to complete her degree in Communication Science Disorders from the University of Minnesota-Duluth.  During her time in Duluth, she played lacrosse and served as a PCA as well as a mentor at the Boys and Girls Club. In addition, she loved her time at the Newman Center where she was involved in bible study groups and continued to grow in her faith.

Laura went on to proudly earn her master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls in 2021.  She was excited to have an opportunity to return to Cottage Grove to work as a Speech Language Pathologist with District 833 where she worked directly with students at Hillside Elementary School.  In addition, she volunteered as a mentor in the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program.

The slogan, “Faith, Family and Friends” was something that Laura lived out fully.  She had a magnetic personality and had a way to make everyone feel like they were her best friend.  Not only did she make friends wherever she went, she subscribed to “The Seven Second Hug” rule and made sure everyone stuck to that rule.

Laura loved being on the go and was referred to by many as “The Energizer Bunny.”  She loved travelling, being outdoors and spending time at the lake.  Laura loved spending time in the Boundary Waters and the cabins on Cedar and Diamond Lake.  She was an avid runner and participated in various races including Grandma’s Marathon.  Above all, she loved being surrounded by the ones she loved and especially her loving family.

She is deeply loved by her parents Jim and Pam; sister Jennifer (Blaine) Nelson; brother Peter (Emily) Schrankler; nephew Theo Nelson; grandparents William and Mary Schrankler and Clayton Smith as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins.  She is preceded in death by her grandma MaryAnn Smith.

“Life is short here on earth, but Heaven is forever.”

LIVESTREAM INFORMATION:  For those who would like to participate in Laura's service via livestream, you can watch the service on Tuesday, July 26, 2022 at 1:00 pm.  It can be viewed by scrolling to the bottom of this page, and "CLICK PLAY" to begin.  Please leave a message of support on our Tribute Wall to let the family know you were able to watch the service.  If you are having troubles with the Livestream, the service will be available to watch later in the day.