Laura Ann (née Simon) Jirik, 97

Laura Ann (née Simon) Jirik, age 97, of Lonsdale, passed away on  September 22, 2024, at The Villages of Lonsdale where she resided for the last 15 years.

Laura was born on January 29, 1927, to Bohumil and Ludmilla (Kalina) Simon in New Prague, MN. She grew up on a farm near Veseli, MN, attended grade school in Veseli and graduated from New Prague High School.

On Oct. 15, 1946, Laura married Thomas A. Jirik and settled on a farm near Lonsdale, MN, where they raised their seven children. Laura was a dedicated farm wife, active in church auxiliaries and 4-H activities. She was a talented homemaker, gardener, cook and baker.  She enjoyed canning produce, especially pickled beets. While at The Villages, Laura enjoyed puzzles, bingo, and participating in the spelling bees, which she was particularly very good at.

Laura is survived by her seven children; Tom (Jan), Lou (Renee), Patty (John) Reher, Greg (Kathy), Cheryl, Al (Sandy) and Lauren; 24 grandchildren and 5 step-grandchildren and 47 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews, their spouses and children; her sister, Irene Scheffler; brother, Gene (Ceil) Simon; sisters-in-law, Mary Raney and Janet Simon.  Preceding her in death is her husband; sister, Sylvia Rezac; brothers: Ray, Albert, Robert and Milton; daughter-in-law, Debbie, and infant Lisa.

Mass of Christian Burial 11 a.m. Saturday, September 28, 2024, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Lonsdale, MN.  Memorial visitation from 9-10:45 a.m. prior to the service at White Funeral Home (Hwy 19) Lonsdale.

Memorials may be directed to Holy Cross School, Webster, MN or donors choice in lieu of flowers.