Lauretta "Laura" Mary Wermerskirchen, age 91 of Apple valley, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2025. Laura was born on October 11, 1933, to parents Joseph and Elizabeth (Hart) Vaughan in New Prague, MN. She grew up on the family farm with her four siblings. Laura graduated from New Prague High School in 1951 and attended one year at Villa Maria in Frontenac MN. Laura continued her education at St. Catherine's University where she received a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education in 1955. After graduation Laura started her teaching career at St. Paul Public School and continued teaching in the public schools for over 25 years.

Laura married Donald Ruffing on June 23, 1962, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, in St. Patrick, MN. They resided in Coon Rapids and welcomed two children into their lives. They spentmuch of their leisure time golfing and visiting with friends. After Don's passing in 1990, Laura found love again with Paul Wermerskirchen. Laura and Paul were married on January 15, 2000, at St. John's The Baptist Catholic Church, in Savage, MN. Laura and Paul had a passion for travel to many destinations and spent their winters in Meza, Arizona with countless friends.

Laura's fondness for travel started after graduation with a one-month trip to Europe with her best friend Marilynne. She took multiple trips to Europe, Mexico, Alaska, and Hawaii to name a few. She loved to golf and take long walks. You could often find Laura reading, playing solitaire, or doing the crossword puzzle from the Star Tribune. Laura was never one to miss out on watching a sporting event for her children and grandchildren. Even in retirement Laura was not one to slow down, she volunteered at St. Gertrudes Health Center, St. Francis Hospital, and St. Mark's Catholic Church.

Preceded in death by her husbands: Donald Ruffing and Paul Wermerskirchen; Parents: Joseph and Elizabeth Vaughan; siblings: Rita (Emery) Zweber, Betty (John) Wagner, Helen Mae (William) Casey, and Jospeh Vaughan; step-son, Dan Wermerskirchen.  Survived by her children: Donald Jr Ruffing and Therese (Michael) Flattum; grandchildren: Jacob and Nicholas Ruffing, Samantha and Derek Flattum; sister-in-law: Diane Vaughan; step-children: Laura Wermerskirchen, Tom (Anita) Wermerskirchen, Laurie (Paul) Haller, and Mary (Pat) Fleming; also by her loving step-grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Mass of Christian Burial, 10:30am Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at St John the Baptist Catholic Church, Savage, MN.  Visitation from 9:30-10:30am prior to mass.  Private interment in Wells, MN.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to Grace Hospice at www.gracecaring.org 1015 4th Avenue North, Suite 206, Minneapolis, MN 55405 in memory of Laura Wermerskirchen.