Laura Jean Gilbreath

December 18, 1934 — May 21, 2016

Laura Jean Gilbreath, 82, formerly of Tucson, Arizona, came home to North Dakota where, after a short battle with Cancer, she died at Sanford Health Center in Bismarck on Saturday May 21, 2016. There will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 pm Wednesday, June 1, 2016, at Mandan Union Cemetery, with Rev. Lee Herberg officiating. Laura was born to Victor L. and Vesta Cecelia Abar Gilbreath on December 18, 1934, in Mott, North Dakota. Her family moved to Bismarck early in her life and she attended schools in Bismarck, graduating from Bismarck High School in 1952. She attended Bismarck Junior College and graduated from Montana State University with a Bachelor’s Degree and went on to get her Master’s Degree. She was an Economics Professor at Bismarck Junior College for a number of years before moving to Arizona. She lived in the Tucson area for many years and most recently was employed with the United States Census Bureau at the time of her death. When she found out that she was extremely ill, she wanted to return “home” to North Dakota and her brother, Roy, arranged for her return. When crossing the North Dakota line, she said. “I’m home”. Laura was preceded in death by her parents, and her husbands. She is survived by her brother G. Roy Gilbreath, Bismarck. Laura enjoyed life – She lived, she died. She laughed, she cried. She tried! Peace be with you Laura.

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Service Schedule

Past Services

Graveside Service

Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Starts at 2:00 pm (Central time)

Mandan Union Cemetery

1600 Mandan Ave, Mandan, ND 58554

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Guestbook

Laura was our dear friend for many years. We enjoyed her so many times I cannot express the loss our family feels. Our sons Troy, Todd, and Travis had such good times with Laura. We love N.D. as much as Laura loved it, she is now home.

Vern & Vickie Lahman

Jun 19, 2016

Laura was one of my favorite teachers. She was bold, exciting, charming, and very expressive. She seemed to know what was important to her and the rest she pretty much ignored. Laura was a wonderful character. My year at BJC was a good deal of fun due in large part to her generous, outgoing nature. A great example of a strong, yet caring person -- someone who could be bold and somewhat brash yet also have a very tender heart. The type of person that would demand you swim on your own but would be the first to dive in with all her clothes to save you if she thought you were in true jeopardy. She had a great sense for what was real and what was BS, and was lightning fast at calling it out. Laura was a dear person. I found her to be very unique and marvelous. She made me laugh many times and also prodded my thinking just as often. She was endearing and a little bit intimidating at the same time and I would guess that she intended neither. She just was Laura. A one-of-a-kind and I loved her for being so unique, bold and real. I will always cherish the times, letters and telephone calls with her.

George Berger

May 28, 2016

Dear Roy: My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time and always. I share your pain as I know how it feels to be the last one in your family. Take care of you and remember the good times. Peace. Barb

Barb Middaugh

May 27, 2016

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