Laurie Ann Ivarsen, 56, passed away on Tuesday, November 27, 2018 in Sioux Falls, SD. Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Saturday, December 1 at Romsdal Lutheran Church, rural Hudson, SD. Visitation will be 5:00-7:00 PM Friday, November 30 at Wass Funeral Home, Beresford, SD followed by a prayer service at 7:00 PM.


Laurie Ann Ivarsen was born April 16, 1962 in Canton, SD to John and Sharon (Hoffman) Ivarsen. She attended church at Romsdal Lutheran where she was confirmed with the special help of Clarice Yttreness. She attended school in Beresford and graduated with a special diploma at the age of 17. Laurie was a proud participant of the Special Olympics where she won many medals over the years.


In 1979, Laurie yearned for independence and began attending Sioux Vocational in Sioux Falls which is now known as LifeScape. She diligently worked in the workshop for several years then moved to the cleaning crew, the post office and the motel of Good Samaritan. She did achieve her independence and lived alone for several years. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She was fortunate to have taken 2 important vacations in her lifetime, one to Disneyland and one to Las Vegas to see Celine Dion.


Laurie is survived by her mother, Sharon Ivarsen, Beresford, SD; her brothers, Grant Ivarsen, Brian (Heather) Ivarsen and Steve (Shannon) Ivarsen, all of Beresford, SD; nephews and nieces, Maverick Ivarsen, Nathan Ivarsen, Adam Ivarsen, McCade Ivarsen, MacLane Ivarsen, Makoy Ivarsen, Kaylee Ivarsen, John Ivarsen, Sarah Ivarsen and James Ivarsen; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. She was preceded in death by her father, John Ivarsen; her grandparents, Heinie and Frances Hoffman and Magnus and Alice Ivarsen; her brother, Steven John; and her beloved uncles and aunt.