Laura (Scharfenberg) Fairburn

   Laura Viola Fairburn was born January 1, 1935, and passed away on January 7, 2025; a few days after celebrating her 90th birthday. Laura was born on the farm west of Endeavour, the 7th child to Herman and Hazel Scharfenberg. Growing up with so many siblings; 12 in all, it was natural for her to help in the kitchen and garden. She became an excellent cook and developed a love of gardening from Grandma Scharfenberg. Laura attended Midland school to grade 8 and correspondence for grade 9 after which she worked on Martin Olsen’s farm.

    In a short while, Laura met the love of her life, Alan Fairburn, and they were married on March 23, 1954. They were blessed with 6 children: Fran, Judy, Patty, Dan, Reg, and Scott. Family blessings continued with 11 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Laura made a life with Alan on the farm in the Rockford area. Laura was a dedicated wife and mother, ensuring that the family was well cared for, and the household was running smoothly. Laura loved the outdoors – tending to her garden, flowers, shrubs and picking berries. She enjoyed farm life especially helping Alan with farmwork which included raising cattle, some pigs, and lots of chickens. Laura was the skilled cow milker on the farm; a task she seemed to really enjoy. The kids always knew when mom was coming back from the barn because you could hear her cheerful whistle long before you saw her! As well as being a good cook, baker and maker of preserves, she enjoyed crafts like embroidery and sewing, but her favorite hobby was making quilts. All of her children and grandchildren have received some of Mom’s beautiful quilting creations.

    Laura was a devoted Christian, and her faith was a large part of who she was. Her cheerful personality and caring nature prompted her to care for foster children throughout the years as well. She was active in the Endeavour church, serving many years at various times as Sunday school teacher, was part of the ladies’ group, and helped cook at Ketchen Lake Bible Camp. The Christian ministry she loved the most was singing in the choir; something she enjoyed doing well into her retirement years. Though we will miss Mom dearly, we know that she is now in the loving arms of Jesus in her heavenly home.

    Laura is predeceased by her husband Alan, parents Herman and Hazel Scharfenberg, and siblings: Howard, Leroy, Richard, Lavern, Doris, and Clifford and in-laws/family that have gone before as well. Laura is lovingly remembered by her children: Fran (Larry) Hubich, Judy (Gary) Wilmot, Patty (Doug) Fairhead, Dan (Renee’) Fairburn, Reg (Patricia) Fairburn, Scott (Carolyn) Fairburn. Her Grandchildren and their families: Tara (Michael) Quine (Frankie), Erin Hubich, (Jaco Van Heerden), Ryan Hubich (Brahm), Amber (Jarek) Wicklund (Abigail, Jacob, Levi), Christopher (Amanda) Fairhead (Lucas, Leah), Kimberly (Troy) Clarke (Jake, Brynn), Brandon (Karen) Fairhead (Nora, Nathaniel), Nancy (Jeff) Herman (Micah, Judah, Daniel), Drake (Jill) Fairburn (Devin), Connor Fairburn, Reid Fairburn. Her siblings and their families: Virgil Scharfenberg, June Jakubowski, David Scharfenberg, Janice Walters, Glenice Bausmer. As well as numerous nieces, nephews, and their children on both Fairburn and Scharfenberg sides.

    Laura’s family wish to express their heartfelt gratitude for the kind care and support given by Preeceville Homecare Staff so that she could remain in her home until her passing.

    Funeral Services were held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, from the Chapel of Preeceville Funeral Home with Pastor Edgar Roste officiating. Barb Melsness played the piano for the hymns, “Surely Goodness and Mercy”, “Mansion Over the Hilltop” and “In the Garden”. Laura’s granddaughters, Tara Quine, Nancy Herman, and Kimberly Clarke gave the eulogy and shared special memories of Laura. Doug Fairhead played the accordion for a special musical selection “It is Well with my Soul”.  Renee Fairburn and Patricia Fairburn read the scripture. Interment was at St. George Ypres Cemetery with Christoper Fairhead, Ryan Hubich, Drake Fairburn, Brandon Fairhead, Connor Fairburn and Reid Fairburn serving as casketbearers. Memorials may be made to a charity of one’s choice as gifts of remembrance. Arrangements were entrusted to Preeceville Funeral Home.