Laura Joan Manke of Spearfish, SD, formerly Seattle, WA, and Argyle, MN, passed away peacefully at home in Spearfish, SD, on September 3rd, 2025, at age 63.
Laura was born on April 20, 1962, in Warren, MN to C. Donald and Roberta (Schirber) Hedquist. She attended St. Rose Catholic School and graduated from Argyle High School in 1980. She attended college at the University of North Dakota and earned her nursing degree in 1985. Laura met her husband, Jeff, at the University of North Dakota. They moved to Seattle, WA, in 1986. For 37 years she served as a dedicated nurse at Swedish Hospital in Seattle, WA, where she touched countless lives with her compassion and kindness. She retired in 2023 and moved to Spearfish, SD, with her husband.
Beyond her career, Laura enjoyed always being there for her children. She also treasured her fur babies and keeping them happy. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, and watching crime TV shows. She was a devoted wife, mother, sister, and friend who cherished time with her family above all else.
Laura is survived by her husband of 37 years, Jeff Manke; her children, Tyler and Alyssa Manke; her two brothers, John (Lynnae) and Donald (Abby) Hedquist; aunt, Veronica (Ronnie) Rosennau; uncle, Richard (Shannon) Schirber; mother in-law, Barb Manke; brothers in-law, Mike (Barb) and Kurt (Joan) Manke; many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, father in-law, Wally Manke, and grandparents.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapel, with visitation beginning one hour prior. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery.
Laura will be remembered for her kind spirit, gentle heart, and unwavering love for her family and friends.