Lauri S. Kester

Lauri Sue Kester, age 59, of Wisconsin Rapids, entered eternal rest on Thursday, April 4th, 2024, at Wausau Aspirus Hospital surrounded by her family. She fought as hard as she could for five months since her diagnosis of Lung Cancer, which was further complicated by her pre-existing Interstitial Lung Disease.

Lauri was born on October 18, 1964, to Doris and Eugene Knuteson. Being one of nine children in the family, she developed a nurturing personality and was taught the value of hard work. Lauri married her life partner, Gregory Kester, on July 22, 1983. On October 20, 1984, their son, Gregory John, was born 3 months prematurely. Doctors told Lauri her baby boy wouldn’t make it, but she stayed strong insisting he would. Sure enough, she held her miracle boy for the first time on December 4, 1984. Their family was complete over 10 years later when her daughter, Cheyenne, was born on July 19, 1995. Lauri’s two children were her pride and joy, and she vowed that they would remain “her babies” no matter how old they were. She worked at the paper mill in Wisconsin Rapids for 37 years, spending her time outside of the shift-work doing anything and everything for her family. Her loving, caring nature was shared further when she became a grandma to her 3 precious grand-babies between the years of 2012-2015. Her happiest memories included visits to Lake Michigan in the summer, fishing and hunting with her husband and kids, riding motorcycles with her husband and friends, raising the family’s German Shepherd dogs, playing family basketball games in the driveway, and holidays spent with those she loved most. She will always be remembered for her strength, compassion, selflessness, delicious meals, silliness, and love of horses and country music. Lauri is survived by her husband, Greg; her children, Greg (Nikkie) Kester and Cheyenne Kester; grandchildren, Brooks, Greyson, and Adalind; siblings, Jodie Knuteson, Kelly Knuteson, Kathy Knuteson, Karen Knuteson, Karl (Dawn) Knuteson, and Ronald Knuteson; many brothers- and sisters-in-law; and her dog, Ruby. She is preceded in death by her father and mother, Eugene and Doris Knuteson; her mother-in-law, Alice Kester; and siblings, Carol, Robert “Bobby”, and David Knuteson.

Her family would like to thank the kindness and dedication of the doctors, nurses and staff at Wausau Aspirus Hospital. Per her wishes, no funeral services will be held. To those who knew Lauri, please continue to laugh and smile when remembering what a special person she was.