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Passing along a loving tribute from Carolyn Richards....
Deceased Classmate: Laurie Peterson
Date Of Birth: Nov-4-1961
Date Deceased: Nov-15-2017
Age at Death: 56
Cause of Death: Hit by car in crosswalk in Wauwatosa
Survived By: Husband: Jeff Strothenke, Daughters: Marissa and Dana 3 siblings: Scott, Judy, Bonnie
Laurie was a kind, fun, very sweet woman. She was a loyal friend, a very devoted wife and mom and a blessing to all that she worked with for 32 years as an OT at St Camillus. At East she was in the Marching Band all four years and played the clarinet. She cared for her parents in their twilight years and was a beautiful example of making the most of ones life. She and her husband and girls traveled around the country every year and always had such beautiful photos to share. She was a great friend to me all through Junior High and High School and I will miss her smile and her laugh, but more than that, her warm heart.
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https://www.schmidtandbartelt.com/obituaries/detail.aspx?id=11159
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Randall Ott
A somber morning, mourning the loss of a classmate of mine back in Wauwatosa Wi.. Laurie Strothenke (Peterson) hit by a car driven by a 72 year old.
Before bed last night I began seeing a few friends on FB post that they had just lost a longtime friend, yet it wasn't until this morning when my friend Brian Murphy let me know it was Laurie.
I learned she worked nearly 30 years at an assisted living/memory care facility which was one of the choices for my own dad and where other friends parents are or have been. My guess is she was just about to be safe inside at work yesterday at 7am while others were just having their 1st cups of coffee.
If it were not for social media, it is probably safe to say the she and I would not have been in contact as many of us all have those same situations. Social media allowed me to be friends again with the casual happy birthday posts to each other.
Laurie I will always remember as being very pleasant, calm and with a smile of contentment. We were in band together and marched in the Macy's Day Thanksgiving parade oh so many years ago. She looked the same at 56 as she did in high school. Laurie had a career with the elderly and was tragically taken down by one in this accident.
When I was back in Tosa and having to have the conversation with my dad which most of us dread about the end of driving a car, my dad luckily knew it was time and his comments then, which he still repeats even with worsening dementia; "I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I ever hurt anybody."
We all need to stop and take these moments seriously and not take driving, nor simply walking for granted. Be safe out there for yourself and for others.
My heart really goes out to the other family and friends of Laurie and may the angels she has help in those 30 years greet her with love and safe passage to the rainbows end.
-Randall
Class of 80 Senior Class President Wauwatosa East HS