Laura J. Knapp

Laura J. Knapp, age 89, of Lancaster, passed away Monday, July 14, 2008 at Orchard Manor Nursing Home, rural Lancaster. She was born September 12, 1918, in Bagley, WI, the daughter of Casper and Clara (Knutson) Ready. Laura attended Bagley schools and graduated in 1936. After graduation, she worked in La Crosse, WI. She married Arnold O. Brookens, Sr. on October 9, 1937 in Platteville, WI. They lived in Glen Haven and had a son, Arnold Brookens, Jr. Laura assisted with the family business by taking care of bookkeeping for their DX oil refinery. Arnold Sr. passed away and she later married Charles Chuck Knapp at First English Lutheran Church in Platteville. He also preceded her in death. Laura enjoyed cooking, reading, and big family get-togethers. She also enjoyed visiting and keeping in touch with family and friends daily by telephone. Laura was employed at the Grant County Hospital and Home now Orchard Manor until she retired.

Laura is survived by her son, Arnold (Sharon) Brookens, Jr., Lancaster; three grandchildren: Robert (Shelley) Brookens, Lone Rock; Scott (Pam) Brookens, Platteville; and Rebecca (Mark) Schemmel, Asbury, IA; four great-grandchildren; one brother, Walter Ready, Bagley; and one sister, Darlene (Roy) Kochanowski, Madison.

She was preceded in death by her parents, both husbands; and four brothers: Donald, Arthur, LaVern, and Virgil Ready.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 16, 2008 at Christ Lutheran Church in Lancaster with the Reverend David Froemming officiating. Burial was in the Bagley Cemetery. Visitation was held on Wednesday, July 16, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church.