Laura L. Hoeft

Laura L. Hoeft, age 78, of Grand Forks, North Dakota, died Monday, March 30, 2026, at Valley Senior Living in Grand Forks.

A private prayer service was held with Laura's family on March 30, 2026, at Valley Senior Living.

Laura Lena Gjertson was born December 12, 1947, in Pine River, Minnesota, to Harold and Hazel (Houser) Gjertson. She graduated from Pine River High School in 1965. Following graduation, she worked in Brainerd, Minnesota, where she met the love of her life, Gary Hoeft. They were married in Brainerd in 1967 and lived in Duluth until 1974, when they moved to Grand Forks, North Dakota.

For over 30 years, Laura worked at Target in the Human Resources department as a team lead, retiring in 2009. At the same time she worked side by side with Gary at H&R Block for more than 25 years.

Laura found happiness in the simple things. She enjoyed gardening as a favorite hobby and took great pride in her flower garden, especially watching her roses bloom each season. She also enjoyed traveling with her family, with some of her favorite trips including Puerto Rico, the Florida Keys, and the Phoenix, Arizona area.

Above all, Laura’s greatest joy was her family. She attended her grandsons’ events whenever she could and was always their biggest fan. She loved spending time with her family and brightened their days with her thoughtful phone calls to check in.

Laura is survived by her husband of 59 years, Gary Hoeft; daughters, Heather (Matt) Elliott and Stephanie (Keith) Radke; grandsons, Alexander Elliott and David Radke; brother, Donald Norman of Pine River, Minnesota, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Hazel, and sister, Anita Strong.