Lauri Tena Bartch

It is with profound shock and deep sorrow that we announce the unexpected passing of Lauri Tena Bartch, age 41, of Sturgis, Saskatchewan, who left us far too soon on June 25, 2026.

A Service in Celebration of Lauri's Life will be held on Monday, July 6th, at 2:00 p.m. from the Sturgis Community Hall.

In lieu of flowers, and in honour of Lauri's beautiful soul and love for animals, donations may be made to the Saskatchewan Division of the Canadian Mental Health Association or to a local animal rescue of your choice.

Lauri’s story began on February 2, 1985, when she was born in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, on a very, very cold winter night. 

She grew up in Sturgis, surrounded by her sisters, an army of cousins, and a close-knit circle of friends. She attended Sturgis Elementary School and graduated from Sturgis Composite High School in 2003.

Lauri was never one to be boxed into just one path. She was multi-talented, stubbornly independent, and capable of doing absolutely anything she set her mind to. 

Over the years, she went to cosmetology school, worked with deep compassion as a health care aide, brought energy to local spots as a bartender, and conquered the construction world—working numerous jobs where she confidently operated heavy equipment. 

Though she lived for short periods in other Saskatchewan communities, and spent time out west in Sun Peaks and Penticton, British Columbia, her heart always remained connected to her home province.

Lauri was best known for her sharp wit and infectious sense of humor. She was always ready with a clever quip, a perfectly timed joke, or a funny story that left everyone laughing. To know her was to be entertained by her. She was happiest when she was on the water with a fishing rod in hand, foraging in the woods for mushrooms, or meticulously caring for her sprawling collection of house plants.

Beyond her quick comedy and love for the natural world, Lauri had an immense heart and a lifelong love for animals. This devotion was best displayed through the bond she shared with her beloved dogs, Tucker and Shadow. In her final years, Lauri also fought a private, heavy battle with addiction. While it was a difficult storm to navigate, her disease never defined the truth of who she was, nor did it ever erase her kindness, her unique talents, or the deep love she held for her people.

Above all, Lauri deeply loved her family and her friends. She was the fun-loving sister, the devoted daughter, and the friend you could always count on for both deep chats and endless laughter.

Lauri is lovingly survived by her father, Bob Bartch, and stepmother, Heather Bartch; her mother, Holly Daniels (Joy Lesanko); and her sisters, Brianna, Kim, and Amy (Ryan). She was the incredibly proud aunt to her nieces and nephews: Nevaeh, Zaiden, Gemma, Hattie, and Theo. She also leaves behind many heartbroken friends and extended family members, alongside her faithful companion, Shadow. She was predeceased by her beloved dog, Tucker.