Laura J. (Pytlik) Lamps

Laura J. Lamps, 77, of Sister Bay, Wisconsin (formerly of LaSalle, Illinois), passed away unexpectedly at her home on Tuesday, October 1, 2024. After a brave eight-year battle with cancer, Laura recently received the all-clear from her oncologist. Sadly, the effects of her long illness became evident, and she passed peacefully in her sleep early Tuesday morning, following a joyful evening spent with her husband, Don, and a laughter-filled phone call with her sister, Jeri.

Born on December 19, 1946, in Mayfield, Kentucky, to Andrew and Mary (Dockery) Pytlik, Laura grew up in LaSalle, Illinois. She was a proud St. Patrick's Elementary School graduate, where she maintained lifelong friendships with her classmates. Laura went on to graduate from LaSalle-Peru High School in 1964 and later attended the Patricia Stevens School of Business in Chicago. She married her high school sweetheart, Donald J. Lamps, on January 21, 1967, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in LaSalle.

Before having children, Laura worked for the State of Illinois, helping to liquidate building and loan associations in Chicago during a financial crisis. Later, she embraced her role as a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, finding her greatest joy in caring for her family. As a stay-at-home mom, she created a home filled with warmth, love, and support for her children and later, her grandchildren. Beyond her role at home, Laura was an essential part of the family farm, lending her help during planting and harvesting seasons. She also served as treasurer for the family business, Forrest Acres.

Laura cherished spending time with her friends, enjoying morning coffee and donuts, playing bridge and euchre, and traveling. She especially loved Door County, where she shared many fond memories filled with laughter and conversation with her sisters. Her unwavering love, dedication, and tireless work ethic impacted her family and those who knew her.

She is survived by her husband, Donald of Sister Bay; daughters, Jolene (Eric) Lynch of Scottsdale, AZ, and Gina (Kurt Steuer) Herrmann of Naperville, IL; grandchildren, Eva and Clara Lynch, Sydnie and Max Herrmann; sisters, Sandy Prendergast of Denver, CO, and Jeri (Les) Butler of Louisville, KY; brother, Andy Pytlik of Louisville; brother-in-law, Mike Prelog of Louisville; and in-laws from the Lamps family: Dottie Lamps of Marietta, GA, Cheryl (Ed) Jenkins of Burr Ridge, IL, and Gary (Ann) Lamps of McFarland, WI.

Laura was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew and Mary Sue Pytlik; her sister, Mary Prelog; and her brother-in-law, Dale Lamps.

A graveside service will be held at Middletown Cemetery in Louisville, KY, at a later date.

Laura’s family extends their deepest gratitude to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, especially Dr. Carrie Langstraat and Carolyn Klampe, for their exceptional care. Memorial donations may be made in her memory to the Mayo Clinic at https://give.mayoclinic.org/.

Services are being arranged by Casperson Funeral Home in Sister Bay, WI. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Laura may be shared with her family through her tribute page at www.CaspersonFuneralHome.com.

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