CAVOUR ­— Laurel Wicks, 47, of Cavour, and La Crosse, Wis., died Friday, December 8, 2023, in a car accident.

Laurel Elizabeth was born on May 4, 1976, to Larry and Marlene (Easthouse) Wicks in Huron. She graduated from Huron Senior High School in 1994. Laurel obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Integrated Studies and Marketing, and her Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Ethical Leadership -Servant Leadership from Viterbo University and was on the Dean’s List. She belonged to The National Society of Leadership and Success. She received her Associate of Applied Science in Cosmetology from Minnesota State College – Southeast Technical, and was on the President’s List. Laurel was a dual student at Viterbo/Western Technical College with General Studies, and Vice President of Phi Theta Kappa 2008-2009.

Laurel was an Account Executive at Combined Worksite Solutions, as well as AAS (Cosmetologist, Massage/Bodywork Specialist).

Her beloved son, Jairus, says “My mom had a constant smile to her that radiated positivity and a laugh that breathed life into any room. It was her goal to spread love and positivity, and she radiated it. Connection was her specialty, she brought a tone through her conversation that would make a stranger feel more like an old friend.”

Laurel is predeceased in death by her mother, Marlene, Dec. 20, 1999, and her stepmother, Jan Wicks, November 2013.

Laurel is survived by her father, Larry Wicks; her son, Jairus Wicks; her best friend and love, Mark Puterbaugh; sisters and brothers, Lisa Wicks, Vaughn (Valerie) Wicks, Charleen (Fred) Sylaart, Justin Wicks, Blaine (Angela) Wicks, Becky Russell (Guy) Guiot, Jennifer Russell; and her best friend/sister for life and beyond, Darci Bragg Sheneman; nieces and nephews, Francesca Wicks, Siobhan Wicks, Theodora Wicks, Elliott Wicks, Allison (Loren) Fisk, Makayla (Scott) Sylaart, Jordan (Yin May) Sylaart, Krista Sylaart, Zayne (Olivia) Wicks, Elijah Wicks, Elliana Wicks, Sabrina (Maggie) Plascencia, Alexander Plascencia; and three great-nephews, Elias, Isaac, and Levi Fisk.
The Celebrations of Laurel’s Life are as follows:

11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, at Radisson Hotel Ballroom, 200 Harborview Plaza, La Crosse, Wis. 54601. Officiants are Perry Pearson and Jason Stein.

2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, at the Nordby Exhibit Hall at the Fairgrounds, Huron, S.D. 57350. Officiants are Dennis Hause and Caleb Dunham.

Ode to the Hunter, written by Laurel Wicks on Nov. 19, 2023
Hurtling into the sherbet and cotton candy horizon
I ponder
In awe
The wisps of rain not yet fallen
Illuminated by the dawn of a new day
As beings on Earth rest and dream of tomorrow
This is it!
Tomorrow is here!
Blessings eagerly await those that
Dare to hunt
Hidden gifts inside adventures
Enjoyment of the journey
Of Camaraderie
Embrace the moments of becoming
Perhaps your shine is the dawn of life in someone today