Laurel C. Mares died at St. John’s Lutheran Home on Nov. 29, 2010, after a 13-year illness with Alzheimer’s. Formerly of St. Paul, she was admitted in St. John’s Lutheran Home, Albert Lea, on Jan. 21, 2002.

She was born on Jan. 17, 1925, in Kansas City, Mo. Shortly thereafter, the family moved to St. Paul.

Laurel is survived by her husband, Robert Mares, of Albert Lea; daughters: Linda (Dennis) Schmidt and Teresa (Robert) Burke, both of Albert Lea; grandson, Daniel Schmidt, of St. Paul; brother, Raymond Conrad, of Teasdale, Utah; sister, Joan Coplin, of Arroyo Grande, Calif.; nephews: Curt Conrad, of Austin, Texas, and Kent Conrad, of Phoenix.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Margaret (Hutchinson) Conrad and father, Raymond Conrad, Sr.

Laurel Conrad married Robert Mares on Aug. 2, 1947, in St. Paul. She graduated from Harding High School and Metropolitan State College, both in St. Paul.

She was a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, St. Paul, and sang with the choir for 25 years. She was also a member of the City of St. Paul’s Choir. Laurel was a member of the Executive Women’s Association and National Secretaries Association.

She was a life member of the Ladies Auxiliary, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6845, St. Paul. She transferred to Everett McClay Post 1296 Auxiliary VFW. Laurel served as auxiliary president, and appointed 7th District and state secretary. Hobbies included golfing, bowling, collecting coins and stamps, and she loved to travel.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday in the St. John’s Lutheran Home Chapel. Visitation with family an hour beforehand.

Memorials preferred to Alzheimer’s Association or donor’s choice.