Laurie Wentz

Laurie Wentz, 65 of Bismarck left this earthly world with her daughter by her side and was welcomed at the gates of heaven by her father, Wendell and her grandson Gabriel James on Thursday, October 30th, 2025.

Laurie was born March 15, 1960, in Bismarck, ND. The second child and first daughter of Wendell and Elizabeth Wentz. Laurie was later blessed with 3 more brothers and a sister. Laurie spent her life living in various locations during her childhood including Mandan and Langdon, a three-month vacation in California and then returned to North Dakota, where she lived in Driscoll and then Bismarck. Laurie graduated from Bismarck High School in May 1978.

On October 31,1980 Laurie gave birth to her daughter, Kristin Marie. Laurie and Kristin moved to Williston, ND until the summer of 1985 when they returned to Bismarck. It was always Laurie and Kristin against the world and while they had their typical mother daughter tiffs, they always knew that they had one another.

Laurie attended Interstate Business College and received a certificate in accounting. Laurie started at USHealthCare in 1990 which transitioned to Aetna, where she worked until her retirement in 2017.

Laurie's daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren have always been the most important people in her life. Always bragging about her grandchildren, Laurie would tell anyone who listened about Lainey's beautiful dance routines and her ability to always keep moving forward no matter what road blocks were put in her way, Shelby being her little side kick until her health prevented their one on one adventures and most recently Shelby's acceptance to NDSU, Avery's ability to make people feel comfortable even when she herself wasn’t and her recent major change to accounting just like grandma, Brody's love of hockey and his crazy sports knowledge and the hours they'd spend together after preschool . She loved being able to be after school "daycare" picking the kids up and sneaking Taco John's or McDonalds, making sure mom and dad didn't find out.

Laurie was blessed to have 5 siblings, Kevin (Pam), Wendell (Carlyn), Janet, Daniel (Shawna) and Robert (Susan). Laurie's nieces and nephews also held a special spot in her heart, Kenny (Teresa), Amanda, Joshua, Audrey, Branden, Cindy, Nicole (Richard), Ryan (Chelsey), Kirsten, Allison, Kelsey, Samantha, Cody and Matthew. With two more on the way, Laurie had the joy of many great nieces and nephews, and a great-great nephew.

While Laurie's health continued declining in the past 10 years, her ability to make those around her laugh was unmatched. She always had a quick-witted comment, a smile and never forgetting a birthday.

Sisters and best friends, Laurie and Janet, spent almost every Saturday together for their entire lives. Just the girls for lunch, mischief and who knows what else, but without a doubt Laurie always loved Saturday’s.

In addition to those listed above Laurie is also survived by her mother, Elizabeth Wentz, her Aunt Vange, Aunt Joann, Aunt Barb, Aunt Maggie and Uncle Richard along with countless cousins and friends who graced Laurie with their time and love.

There are not enough words to express the thankfulness the family of Laurie has to the staff at Edgewood Mandan, especially Amanda, Jastin and Keeley. The kindness, compassion and care provided to Laurie gave the family daily comfort. We also very much appreciate the support and guidance from Sanford Hospice, in particular Jessica and Katie.

Cremation has already taken place, and per Laurie's wishes there will not be a funeral mass. A Celebration of Laurie's life will take place, Friday, November 7th starting at 4:30pm at The Hampton Inn and Suites Northwest which is at 2020 Schafer Street, Bismarck. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, your condolences mirror Laurie’s life, pay it forward and give grace to all, be the change you want to see in the world and love your neighbor as you would want to be loved.