Laura Gehrung

Laura Gehrung was born on November 15, 1932, in St. Louis where she grew up. She graduated from the Ursuline Academy High School in 1946, and from St. Louis University Business College in 1950. She was subsequently hired as secretary to a vice president at the Ralston Purina Company. Here, in addition to her secretarial skills, she enjoyed admiration as a star in the company’s chorus line which provided entertainment periodically for customer gatherings and dinners.

Laura met Fred Gehrung who was working at his summer job in a neighborhood drugstore while attending Missouri University. They dated and at the time, Laura also was signed up to become a TWA airline stewardess -- well suited to the profession with her capabilities and dazzling smile.

Upon Fred’s college graduation, they married, he was drafted, and Laura joined him for his two-year tour of duty in Germany. Here their first child, Jeffrey, was born. The threesome returned to St. Louis, where Fred began his career with Monsanto Company. They had three more children—first Mark, then a year later Diane, and five years later, Nancy.

Laura was known to be the warmest, most loving wife, mother, and friend anyone could ever wish to have. She worried constantly about her family and did all she could to make their lives easier and more enjoyable, providing encouragement and love.

Laura was ever-optimistic and brightened everyone’s day with her beautiful smile which Fred relished. He often said how fortunate he was to have her as his wife, sweetheart, companion, and business partner. A close friend remarked that the two of them treated their relationship as if it was one long first date. “How much love they shared,” observed son Jeff, “and savored each day together during their lifetime journey.”

Laura was known to have a great way with people. She never forgot a birthday and always saw the bright side of things. Her warmth made the day.

Laura also brightened the office of the family firm, Gehrung Associates University Relations Counselors. Here she took great pride in her role as the company’s vice president. Laura was “Mrs. Inside” to Fred’s “Mr. Outside.” She oversaw the company’s books, bill payments and tax matters along with being personnel director. And with her charm and upbeat personality, she kept the mood enjoyable and morale high. All this while raising four children and creating many wonderful memories for all.

Laura loved the outdoors and was an avid tennis player and enthusiastic skier. Always on the go, she belonged to two tennis clubs and played matches days and nights with a wonderful group of women friends.

Laura was a member of a book club and the Keene Country Club. Somehow, she even found time for a bridge club. She loved gardening and always provided a front yard showcase. Then there was her love for cooking. Nothing made her happier than the rave reviews she got for her typically delectable meals.

But dancing was Laura and Fred’s passion. And their stylish moves cleared many a dance floor. Laura and Fred also enjoyed traveling the nation. Favorite places included Key West and San Francisco where they wintered regularly after selling their firm. They also leased a condo in Vail, Colo. where they loved to ski and even owned and enjoyed a cottage in England’s beautiful Cotswold’s where they celebrated many a New Year’s Eve party. Here they were referred to as “our village yanks!”

Laura’s world travels with Fred included almost every continent. Russia, India, and they walked China’s great wall, and stood at the weeping wall in Jerusalem. They rode gondolas in Venice, floated on the Dead Sea and enjoyed an African Safari. They sailed from San Francisco to Australia and made repeated visits to London and Paris. Said Laura about all this: “I could not have been luckier!”

Said a friend, “Laura will be remembered for the enthusiasm she brought to every activity—living life to the fullest and deserving her reputation as the most generous, thoughtful person you could ever meet.” With her warm smile and her thoughtfulness, she truly made the world a better place for all of us lucky enough to know her.

Laura has passed away at 92 years of age on November 26, 2024, having enjoyed a full, active life--making the most of and savoring seventy years of a happy, love-filled marriage to Fred, together with the many joys brought by their children and grandchildren. She and Fred celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary last October.

And so, goodbye to our Laura--wife, sweetheart, mom, best friend, nurse, cheerleader, teacher, coach and chef, who provided all of us the love, care, support, understanding, advice and inspiration for happiness. Mission accomplished, our Laura. To know her was to love her, which we always will. Lucky us!

She will be deeply missed by Fred, her adoring husband, by her daughters, Diane and Nancy, her son Mark, and her son Jeff and his wife Dawn, and her grandchildren Jake and Kaelli Gehrung, Ben, Woody, Kate and Sam Mawhinney, Eileen Papaliodis, Laura Marone and Erica Allowatt.

In keeping with Laura’s wishes, services will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to be made in Laura Gehrung’s name to the Monadnock Humane Society, 101 West Swanzey Road, Swanzey, NH 03446 (www.MonadnockHumaneSociety.org).

Cards may be sent to Fletcher Funeral Home, Attention Fred Gehrung, 33 Marlboro Street, Keene, NH 03431.