Laura Junker

JUL 11, 1928 - APR 23, 2012

Laura Junker, age 83, passed away on Monday, April 23, 2012.

Laura was born in Turlock to parents Sherman and Rita Starn. She was raised on her parents' farm in Hughson. Laura was an only child who had a wonderful childhood being surrounded by many cousins of her extended Starn family, which was a large farming family that settled in the Hughson area. Laura was very proud to be a Starn. She graduated from Hughson High and attended Redlands University in southern California.

In 1948 Laura married Larry Junker of Modesto. Laura's father built a second home on the ranch where she and Larry began their family. When the youngest of their three children was 4 years old Laura decided to become a teacher. She needed to obtain a teaching certificate. Fortunately, a new college was being formed in Turlock where she would become one of Stanislaus State College's (now CSUS) first students. Her first class was held in a building at the county fairgrounds where they shared part of the building with loud, live turkeys. Laura was experiencing the birth of Turkey Tech. In 1962 Laura became Hughson's only kindergarten teacher. Laura taught two sessions a day with a total of approximately 70 students per day. Laura taught in Hughson for 24 years, most of that time being the kindergarten teacher. She touched the lives of most of the students that attended the Hughson school system during those years. Laura's children, who were now upper classmates of Laura's students, often heard comments from these students that "Mrs. Junker" was their favorite teacher. Laura deeply cared about each child, not just for their education but for their overall well-being.

Laura was also active in her church. In the early years she attended Hughson's First Baptist Church. Later, the family attended Turlock's Covenant Church where Laura was the main pianist. Laura and Larry loved music with both being involved in the church choir and other music related activities. Laura and Larry had unwavering Christian faith, something that was the foundation of their lives and the raising of their family.

Laura is survived by her three children, daughters Diana Morrow (John) and Janice McKinney, son Douglas Junker, and grandchildren Kelda and Eric McKinney.

A chapel service will be held on Monday, April 30th at 10:00 AM at Lakewood Funeral Home, 900 Santa Fe Ave., Hughson, CA. The family also wishes to thank Hospice, which has been extremely helpful during this time.