Joan Laursen

Canton – Joan Klafka Laursen, 74, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 25, 2020 at Haywood Regional Medical Center.

A native of Wisconsin, Joan and her husband, Bob, have resided in Canton, NC since 2011.  She was the daughter of the late Jacob and Helen Thesing Klafka.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one son, Benjamin Laursen and one brother, James Klafka.  Joan was an amazing wife, mother, homemaker and grandmother.  As a mother to four children, Joan’s self-sufficiency and artistic abilities touched all aspects of her family’s life.  She would sew and create her own clothing, plant and nurture a bountiful garden, and then sit everyone down for a delicious meal.  Joan was talented at water coloring and had a love for painting butterflies and lady bugs in random spots throughout her home.  Joan was centered by her faith and her beloved family; and will forever be in our hearts.

She is survived by her husband of  51 years, Robert Karl Laursen, of Canton; one daughter, Tracy Guillory, and her husband, Michael, of Lynchburg, Virginia; one step-daughter, Laurie Davidson, of Augusta, Georgia; two sons, Joseph Laursen, and his wife, Dinah, of San Antonio, Texas; John Laursen, and his wife, Diana, of Clyde; and one step-son, Karl Laursen; ten grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Samaritan’s Purse P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607.

The care of Mrs. Laursen has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Homes and an online memorial register is available at “Obituaries” at www.wellsfuneralhome.com