Laureen Marie Huttunen

Laureen Marie (Downer) Huttunen, age 55, of Sebeka, MN, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at Lakewood Health System in Staples, MN, with her family by her side.

Laureen was born on November 1, 1968, in Park Rapids, MN, to Blaine Downer and Deloris Shore. She was raised in Foley, MN, and graduated from Foley High School in 1987. She then attended St. Cloud Technical College, where she received an associate degree in sales and management. While she grew up in Foley, she often spent her summers living with her grandma and aunt in Nimrod, where she worked at aunt Elsie’s grill. It was there, in the summer of ’85, that she met the love of her life, Rodney Huttunen. The couple were united in marriage at Grace Lutheran Church in Sebeka, MN, on September 16, 1989, and have been inseparable ever since. They made their home in Sebeka where they raised their three children, Cody, Lindsey, and Courtney.

Laureen spent her entire life as a waitress, serving at various establishments including the Rainbow Café in Foley, Ma’s Country Café in Sebeka, the Copper Kettle in Wadena, and for 27 years at the Boondocks Café in Wadena, MN. Her life was a testament to humility, kindness, generosity, and unconditional love. She dedicated her life to serving others, where her warm smile and caring nature brightened the day of everyone she encountered. It was as if she was destined for that role, spreading light and joy to her community. She also donated time to the Red Flag, Green Flag program at the Wadena school for 15+ years. But her greatest calling was being a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, roles in which she truly shined. Her love and friendship knew no bounds, and she had a unique way of making everyone feel special, even in the briefest of encounters. Laureen was more than just a person; she was a blessing to all who had the privilege of knowing her. 

Laureen is survived by her husband of 34 years, Rodney Huttunen of Sebeka, MN; son, Cody Huttunen of Perham, MN; daughters, Lindsey (Taylor) Ericksrud of New York Mills, MN, and Courtney Huttunen of Sebeka, MN; grandchildren, Wrenlee Rose and Elsie Ann Ericksrud of New York Mills, MN; parents, Blaine (Violet) Downer of Foley, MN, and Deloris Shore of Nimrod, MN; brothers, Robert “Bobby” (Janel) Downer of Monticello, MN, and Lyle Downer of Nimrod, MN; step-siblings, Sandy (Tom Stay) Frisbie, Wayne Frisbie, Bonnie (Glen) Scherbing, Wade (Kristy) Frisbie, of Foley, MN and Farrah (Nate) Schwieger, of Princeton, MN; aunts, Elsie (James) Childers of Nimrod, MN, Alice Day of Badger, MN, and Ruth Ann Frisbie of Nimrod, MN; and longtime best friend, Kimberly (Loren “Gordy”) Hansmeier. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Glen and Marcella Shore and Fay and Ruby Downer; uncle, Kenneth Shore; and in-laws, David and Linda Huttunen.

A wake will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 22, 2024, at Grace Lutheran Church in Sebeka, MN, with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m.

A Celebration of Life for Laureen will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 23, 2024, at Grace Lutheran Church in Sebeka, with a time for visitation one hour prior. Burial will follow the service at Hay Creek Cemetery in Sebeka, MN.