Laurie Lea (Anderson) Zeller, age 54, of Richfield Minnesota, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2026, surrounded by family, dear friends, and her beloved dog, Bailee, after a 5-year battle with ovarian cancer. She was a loving, giving spirit with a natural gift of creativity, a sharp wit, and a love for travel.
Laurie was born in Edina, MN on February 25, 1972 to Bruce and Virginia “Ginny” Anderson. She graduated in 1990 from John F. Kennedy High School in Bloomington, Minnesota. She enrolled in classes at Normandale Community College where met her future husband, Daniel Zeller. They were married on September 10, 1993. That same year, she earned her Travel & Tourism Management diploma from Dakota County Technical College. When she retired in May 20206 from Galaxy Travel in Apple Valley, Minnesota, she celebrated 33 years in the travel industry.
Laurie's strength over the past five years inspired everyone who knew her. She faced her cancer battle with remarkable courage, grace, dignity, humor and determination. While our hearts are broken, we are grateful she is finally at peace and free from pain and suffering. May Jesus welcome her with open arms into eternity.
Laurie is survived by her husband of 33 years, Daniel Zeller, her father, Bruce Anderson, her uncle Donald Johnson (Nancy), and several cousins.
Laurie was preceded in death by her mother Ginny Anderson, her aunt Margaret “Peggy” DeGeest, and her uncle Clifford Johnson.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday August 30 with visitation at Noon and a service at 1:00 p.m. at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel, 2250 St. Anthony Blvd, Minneapolis, MN 55418.
In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made to the travel industry community’s Family Bonds Foundation (https://www.familybondsfoundation.com/) whose financial support of Laurie was so appreciated. The family also extends special thanks to staff at MN Oncology and St. Croix Hospice for their loving care of Laurie during her cancer journey.
