Laurel Oien

HOUSTON, MN - Laurel J. Oien, 91, of Houston, Minnesota died on Sunday, April 28, 2019, at Gunderson Health System in La Crosse, WI.
Laurel was born on June 4, 1927, at the Caledonia Hospital, the only son to Helmer and Clara (Jore) Oien. He was raised on his beloved family farm in Perkins Valley in rural Houston. Here he attended the one room school he referred to as "Perkins University". He learned the farming way of life and a love of nature while working the land with his father and uncles, Charlie and Alfred. Laurel had a lifelong love of music, both directing and singing in choirs, finally retiring after his 90th birthday. Laurel served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict in the proving grounds in Nevada. He returned home to care for his aging parents and take over the farm. Laurel will also be remembered by many as the friendly face in the driver's seat of the school bus. He drove for Houston schools for over 30 years. Laurel was a member of Cross of Christ Lutheran Church. Laurel lived out his faith through serving his community and friends. He volunteered on countless community projects, most recently Houston Nature Center and International Owl Center. Helping others was his greatest joy. Laurel was a kind and gentle soul who will be remembered and missed.
Laurel had no immediate survivors. He is survived by a cousin, Rolf (Marilyn) Jore of Caledonia, MN and a cousin-in-law, Marilyn Jore of Houston, and by a special family, the Edwards family.
The funeral service will be at 1 p.m., Monday, May 6, 2019, at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church in Houston. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the Church. Burial will be at the Stone Church Cemetery in Houston.
Memorials are preferred to the Cross of Christ Music Ministry or the Stone Church Cemetery.
Please leave a memory of Laurel and sign his online guestbook at www.hofffuneral.com