Laura Jean (Simon) DeVries

Laura DeVries, 84, Bemidji, Minn., died Wednesday, May 1, in Sanford Bemidji Medical Center surrounded by Charles Boyer and her family.

Funeral Services will be 2:00 p.m., Friday, May 10, 2024, at First Lutheran Church, Bemidji. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m., Thursday, May 9, 2024, at the Olson-Schwartz Funeral Home, Bemidji and one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Bemidji.

Laura Jean DeVries was born in Bemidji, MN on November 18th, 1939, to William and Mavis Simon. Laura grew up in her Puposky, MN home and attended Bemidji High School, graduating in the class of 1957. Laura met her husband, Herbert Richard DeVries, and they were married on June 6th, 1959. She and Rich had two daughters, Leslie and Joani. Laura and Rich moved their family to Red Lake, MN and lived on the Red Lake Reservation while Rich worked for the Forest Service. In the year of 1965, Laura and her family moved to Bemidji, MN while she worked as a telephone operator for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company. Laura also worked as an Administrative Assistant for the Gilfillan Center for many years. In 1972, Laura and her husband purchased property and built their home near Bass Lake in Bemidji, MN. Rich passed away on August 1st, 1990. In her later years and until she retired, Laura worked as a receptionist for the Northern National Bank in Bemidji, MN. Laura loved to dance and listen to various genres of music. She was a constant support for both her family and friends. She enjoyed being outside in her garden and hunting with her family. Her fondest memories were made visiting her family cabin surrounded by her daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. After some time, Laura and Charles Boyer began their relationship in June 2017. They often traveled to various places and enjoyed visiting family and friends throughout their adventures together. Laura and Charles embraced life through its many ventures and blessings together. Charles had been by her side throughout their chapter together and, along with her family, was a strong supporter on her journey home. Laura is survived by children, Leslie (Paul Bellig), and Joani (Terry Bergstrom); grandchildren Tanner (Valerie) Niskanen, Paige (Nick Wilhelmy), Sophia Bellig (fiancé, Mitchell Willhite), Levy (Aly) Bergstrom, and Isaac (Kaylee) Bergstrom; 10 great-grandchildren, and significant other, Charles Boyer and his family. She is preceded in death by her husband, H. Richard DeVries; parents, William and Mavis Simon; sisters Luella Bliss (‘Tootsie Roll’) and Katherine Harms.

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