Laurel Blackdeer

Laurel Ann Blackdeer, 66, White Earth, MN, died Friday, January 4, 2019 at Sanford Health in Fargo, ND.

Laurel Ann Blackdeer was born August 23, 1952 in Minneapolis, MN to John and Veronica (Murray) Johnson.  She lived in Minneapolis until moving to Waubun, MN at age 12.  She is a 1970 graduate of Waubun High School.  Laurel was united in marriage to Roger Wenschlag in December,1970 in Twin Valley, MN.  She lived in Twin Valley while Roger completed his military service.  They moved to Minneapolis where they later divorced.  Laurel took courses in hair styling, computer programing and care giving.  She returned to Waubun in 1978 and later she moved to Naytahwaush where she worked as the home school coordinator for the Waubun School district and as an information system specialist for the Shooting Star Casino.  Laurel was united in marriage to Forest Blackdeer August 2, 1982 in Black River Falls, WI.  He died in 2003.

She enjoyed quilting and beadwork.

Survivors include her significant Other, James “Tam” Rogers of White Earth; Foster children: Bella and Jimmy Keezer; Brothers and sisters, Michael Van Johnson of White Earth, Dennis Murray of Ponsford, Marilyn (Doyle) Kirkeby of Chanhassen, MN, Jacki Hariluk of Waubun, MN, Richard (Tina) Jurina of Fargo, ND, Veronica "Bobby" (Paulette) Jurina of Cass Lake, MN, James (Sandy) Jurina of Mahnomen, Jeffrey (Bobbi) Jurina of Detroit Lakes, Russell Thomas of New Town, ND, Shelly (Josh) Lucero of Isleta, NM, many beloved nieces, nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her adoptive parents: Jack and Geraldine Murray, her sisters, Sharon Thomas and Charlene Moran, brothers, Michael and Gene Murray and infant twin brother and sister.