Laurel Malnor, age 78, of the Lakeview Assisted Living Center in Gladstone (formerly of Ft Wayne, IN), passed away Saturday June 26, 2010 at the St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba following a lengthy illness.

Laurel was born August 29, 1931 in Crystal Falls Township, MI the daughter of Joseph and Leola (Dahlbeck) Plourde.  She was raised in the Danforth/Cornell areas and she was a 1949 graduate of Escanaba High School.  Following graduation she worked for Joe Heirman as a secretary.  Following her marriage to Matt Malnor on September 17, 1955 at All Saints Church in Gladstone, they moved to Columbia, Missouri.  Prior to returning to Gladstone in 2008, they had resided in Elkhart, and Ft Wayne,  IN for several years.  Matt preceded her in death in 2000.

Laurel enjoyed oil painting, craftwork and flower arranging.  She always looked forward to a competitive game of Dominos, and many referred to her as the Domino Queen.  She also treasured her time vacationing in the Upper Peninsula with family and friends.

Survivors include:

3 sons: Mark (Mary) Malnor of Rapid River, Paul and Mike Malnor of Ft. Wayne, IN

Daugher: Sylvia VanDeSompele of Elkhart, IN

3 brothers: Don Plourde, Gerry (Beverly)Plourde, and Norm Plourde, all of Cornell, MI

Sister: Charlotte (Rod) Rousseau of Soo Hill, MI

7 grandchildren: Nicholas, Emily, Stuart, Paige, Devin, Dana, and Sarah.

Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins

In addition to her parents and husband Matt, Laurel was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Mark VanDeSompele.

Laurel’s family will receive friends on Wednesday June 30, 2010 from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone.  Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 2:00 PM at the All Saints Church in Gladstone with Rev. FR. Arnold Grambow officiating.  Luncheon will follow in the All Saints Church Parish Hall.  Burial will follow in the Rapid River Cemetery in Rapid River.