Laura was a kind, loving, and thoughtful person. She was smart, interesting and curious. She has left us all too soon. In addition to being a loving wonderful family member and friend to many Laura was a lifelong animal lover. She leaves behind three horses, five dogs and four cats. Her love of horses began at age ten at Palatine Stables. She loved riding for their equestrian team and eventually taught riding lessons. During her time at Truman State University, she welcomed her horse, Whisper, which began a special bond that would last the rest of her life. Having him with her in Texas and living on the same property, caring for him every day, was a dream come true.
Although she was in Texas the last 15 years she kept in touch with her friends and family who were hundreds of miles away. She found the time to find out what was going on in their lives. She truly had the gift of gab and loved a good phone conversation. She would call her friends and family regularly to catch them up on her life and hear all about what was happening in theirs. Laura was an avid crocheter and made gorgeous blankets for family and friends, and she always put so much thought, love and consideration into Christmas and birthday gifts for her nieces and nephews. Laura loved TV shows and movies and enjoyed discussing and critiquing them. Some of her all-time favorite movies were Jaws, Jurassic Park, Harry Potter, and Last of the Mohicans, to name a few.
She spent the last 10 years enjoying life on a small ranch with her husband Bryan and her animals. Her love of animals led her to become a professional dog trainer and start her own company, Paw Pro Dog Training. She built the life she wanted and was happy to call Texas home.
Laura is survived by her husband, Bryan Bartoli; her parents, Joyce and Kevin Pancratz; siblings, John Pancratz and Eileen Pancratz; mother and father-in-law, Mike and Rose Bartoli; sister-in-law, Christine Pancratz; and nieces and nephews, Jack, Lucia, Charlie and Alita Pancratz.
She is preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, John and Louise Pancratz; maternal grandparents, Albert and Dolores Mesewicz; and uncles, Christopher Pancratz and Norman.
Any memorial donations under Laura’s name may be made to BreakthroughT1D.org; bluebonnetequine.org; texascattledogrescue.com
Family will be receiving guests on Friday, August 28, 2026 from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Glueckert Funeral Home, 1520 N Arlington Heights Rd, Arlington Heights, IL 60004. An additional visitation will take place the following day at Our Lady of the Wayside Catholic Church, 434 W. Park Street, Arlington Heights, IL 60005 on Saturday, August 29, 2026 from 10:00 AM until time of funeral mass at 11:00 AM. Inurnment Private.
Another celebration of Laura’s life will take place in Texas at a later date.
