Laurel Eileen Burleigh was born on May 12, 1946 in Amery, Wisconsin the daughter of Leon and Mildred (Olson) Wilhelm. She grew up in Amery and graduated from Amery High School. A bit later in life she decided to pursue a career as a registered nurse, so she attended Anoka Ramsey Community College. She worked as a registered nurse in several hospital settings. Several years in Mora, Minnesota, but also at the Amery Hospital where she worked with oncology. Laurel was married to Willis Burleigh for over 41 years. She was an avid reader and enjoyed cross stitching and sewing. Visits to thrift shops were always on her list of things to do, and it just wasn't ever right to drive past a garage sale without stopping. Laurel was just entering the tech world of today, getting set up on facebook. She passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, February 8, 2014 at the age of 67 years.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers: Verlyn Wilhelm and Lyle Wilhelm as well as one grandson. Left to mourn are her husband Willis Burleigh; sons: Duane (Deana) Wendt and Daniel Wendt; daughter Julie Burleigh; five grandchildren and five great grandchildren; sisters: Delores Holland and Marlene Morrissey; brothers: Arvid Wilhelm and Mike Wilhelm as well as other relatives and friends.


Memorial services will be held on Thursday, February 13, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. from the chapel at Golden Age Manor in Amery. Burial will be at a later date at the Amery Cemetery.