Arthur A Laursen

Art spent his early years in Atlantic and Kimballton, Iowa. At the age of 9, he experienced a profound loss when his brother, Thomas, and mother both succumbed to rheumatic fever in 1938.

Growing up on a dairy farm in Kimballton, Art worked alongside his father and two older brothers, Kenneth and Robert. As a teenager, the family moved to Omaha, Nebraska, where his father started a new dairy farm with the help of the older brothers. During this time, Tage married Marie Jensen, adding two boys and two girls to the family. Art helped on the farm while attending Technical High School.

At 24, Art met Dorothea on a blind date, and they married on February 5, 1955, in San Francisco, California. They were blessed with three children: Gerald, Bruce, and Cheryl. Dorothea preceded him in death after a long battle with cancer in 2000, with Art devotedly caring for her until the end.

In 1947, Art enlisted in the United States Navy Reserve at 18 and served for six years. In 1953, he was called to active duty during the Korean Crisis but was medically discharged after six months. In 1955, he enlisted in the Army, serving as a heavy equipment engineer in Anchorage, Alaska, for two years. After his military service, Art returned to Omaha, working as a heavy equipment operator/engineer until his retirement at 81. He was an active member of the Operating Engineers Union for 25 years.

Art experienced further loss with the passing of his father, Tage, in 1980, and his brothers, Ken and Bob, in 2019. He faithfully cared for Ken from their father's death until Ken's passing, honoring a promise to his father.

Art took great pride in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, treasuring every moment spent with them. Although not an avid churchgoer, Art was a true believer and ensured his children attended Lutheran Church. He was always ready to lend a helping hand and had a love for polka music, being a skilled polka dancer. Art will be cherished for his sharp wit, exceptional humor, and his ability to make everyone feel valued and loved.

He is survived by his children: Gerald Laursen (Ramona), Bruce Laursen (Lisa), and Cheryl Laursen; his grandchildren: Melissa Schaefer (Ken), Ryan Laursen, Tyler Bloomer (Melissa), Brett Laursen, Lauren Koch (Caleb), and Bryce Laursen; and his great-grandchildren: Ashlyn, Hayden, Amelia, and Jason. Former daughter-in-law, Nancy Laursen (LeRoy) and many nieces and nephews