Laurene Joan Wilson (nee Johnson), age 80 a longtime area and Hobart resident passed away Wednesday, September 5, 2012. She was born on February 23, 1932 in Gary to the late Carl and Lilly (nee Henrikson) Johnson. Laurene graduated from Horace Mann in 1950. She attended Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois, graduating with a B.A. degree in Accounting. Upon leaving college, she went to work as a service representative for Illinois Bell Telephone in Gary and then on to various management positions. She retired in 1987 after 33 years.

She is survived by her husband, Eugene Wilson; 1 sister, Carol (Robert) Nielsen of Eden Prairie, Minnesota; 1 nephew, David (Julie) Nielsen of New Prague; 1 niece Karen (Mike) Kasner of Orono; 2 great-nieces, Abby and Maggie, and 3 great-nephews, John, Peter, and Joe.

She was a long-time member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Gary where she was baptized and confirmed. In 2002 she became a member of Augustana Lutheran Church in Hobart where she and Eugene were married on June 10, 2007.

She leaves behind her family and many friends who loved her dearly. She faced her illness with courage, strength and faith in the promise of life eternal.

Funeral services are Monday, September 10, 2012 at 10 A.M. at Augustana Lutheran Church, 207 Kelley St., Hobart with Rev Charles Strietelmeir officiating. Entombment will follow at Graceland Cemetery, Valparaiso. Visitation is Sunday, September 9, 2012 from 2 P.M. to 4 P.M. and 6 P.M. to 8 P.M. at Rees Funeral Home, 600 West Old Ridge Road, Hobart. Call (219) 942-2109 or visit us online at www.Reesfuneralhomes.com

Considering her support of many charitable organizations, memorial donations may be made to Augustana Lutheran Church, VNA Hospice Center in Valparaiso, or the American Cancer Society.