Laurene T. Barrow

Laurene T. Barrow, age 62, resident of Grand Forks, ND, died on Friday, September 29, 2023, at her home with her loving husband and daughter at her side. Laurene Theresa Mickelson was born to Morris and Janet (Selseth) Mickelson on July 18, 1961, as the second of twins at St Luke's Hospital in Fargo, ND. As such, she was the youngest of three children. Laurene’s family lived in Hitterdal until 1965 when her father’s job brought them to Drayton, ND. While living in Drayton, Laurene attended school from Kindergarten through twelfth grade. She was active in band and choir, gymnastics, was a pompom girl, and graduated with honors in 1979. She grew up in the Lutheran faith, and she attended Drayton Lutheran Church. While growing her faith, she attended and taught Vacation Bible School and Sunday School, and she also served as an officer in the Lutheran Youth Organization. Following high school, she attended Mayville State University. There she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She taught Kindergarten in rural North Dakota schools, ending in Egeland, ND, in 1985. Laurene’s life went from teaching others to teaching her own child when her daughter Margaret Lynn Mickelson was welcomed into the world in 1986. Laurene went on to join the YMCA preschool staff, before returning to school to earn her pharmacy technician degree in 1991. She worked for Altru Hospital for many years until poor health caused her to retire in 2013. She also worked part-time at Thrifty White Pharmacy and enjoyed selling Tastefully Simple for many years. On June 23, 2001, Laurene and Dale D.R. Barrow were married at University Lutheran Church in Grand Forks. From then on, she was known by many as “LB.” Together, LB and Dale enjoyed traveling and visited some wonderful places including her favorite trips to Mayaguana in the Bahamas islands. Laurene even managed to make her frequent visits to Mayo Clinic adventurous by finding new restaurants and quilt shops to explore. Laurene enjoyed quilting, sewing, crafting, weekends at the lake, UND hockey, and spending time with her close friends and family, especially her grandchildren: Grant, Jocelyn, and Mac. Laurene was a great friend, second mom, or nana to many. She always got a kick out of being called “Maggie’s Mom,” no matter where she went, even years after her daughter was out of school. Laurene had a unique talent for making quilts of her own design. She enjoyed making baby blankets, quilts, bibs, clothes, and more for anyone with a baby on the way. Her grandchildren especially benefited from her sewing talents at Halloween with award-winning costumes made by Nana. Laurene is survived by her loving husband, Dale; her daughter, Maggie (Matt) Vold; grandchildren: Grant, Jocelyn and Mac Vold; sisters: Sharon (Mark) Pope and twin sister Laurel (Barry) Bowman; nieces Sara (Steve and baby on the way), Alison (Matt), Gayle; Anna (Jake); nephew Steven. Laurene is also survived by several cousins, other family members, and dear friends that became family, and all who called her “Reno.” Laurene is preceded in death by her parents, Morris and Janet Mickelson, father-in-law and mother-in-law Donald and Mavis Barrow, all of her aunts and uncles, and many cousins. A visitation for Laurene is scheduled at Amundson Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 11, from 5:30-7:30p.m., with a Prayer Service at 7:30p.m. A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, October 12, at University Lutheran Church of Grand Forks, ND, at 10:30 a.m., with Pastor Tom Colenso officiating. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at University Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are preferred and can be made to: Salem Lutheran Cemetery: 201 Highway 32 S. Hitterdal, MN 56552 or Lima Cemetery Fund: C/O Richard Larson 24753 440th St. SE Winger, MN 565.91