Laura Lina Hulda Tatkenhorst, 95 of Russell and formerly of Natoma died Saturday, April 24, 2010 at Main Street Manor of Russell. 

Laura was born January 14, 1915 south of Laton, Kansas, the daughter of William and Minnie (Luhmann) Blank.  At the age of seven, Laura’s mother passed away and her father’s health was at a condition that he could not take care of her, so she lived with Gus and Josie Blank, rural Natoma, while growing up. 

Laura was united in marriage to Fred George Tatkenhorst on November 1, 1934 in Salina, Kansas.  This union was blessed with a daughter, Karen.  They made their home on a farm outside of Natoma.  When Fred preceded her in death in 1954, Laura moved into Natoma and has lived there ever since.   

Laura was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and homemaker.  Her daughter Karen passed away in 1977 and Laura took on the responsibility of raising her granddaughter, Shawna.  Laura worked for the school district in Natoma as a cook for over 36 years before retiring in 1992.  After retiring she loved babysitting children.  When she was younger she also worked at the café in Natoma.  In 2000, Laura moved in with Shawna’s family to take care of them. 

Laura is a member of the Peace Lutheran Church of Natoma and the Women’s Guild.  She enjoyed baking, playing Bingo, cards, doing cross word puzzles, traveling, bird watching and watching KU basketball. 

Surviving family include her granddaughter, Shawna Dunlap and husband Rick of Natoma; three great grandchildren, Cody, Corey and Callie.  She is also still blessed with a large extended family.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter Karen K. Tatkenhorst Schmitz, and sister Matilda “Tillie” Neagele. 

Celebration of Laura’s Life will be held at 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, April 28, 2010 at the Peace Lutheran Church of Natoma with Pastor Michael Schmidt officiating.  Burial will follow at the North Lutheran Cemetery north of Natoma.  Visitation will be from 9 AM to 8 PM Tuesday at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Natoma.  A memorial has been established with Peace Lutheran Church.  Contributions and condolences may be sent in care of Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.