MADISON - Gloria A. Laundrie, age 92, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 17, 2025, with family by her side, at Agrace HospiceCare, after a long and fulfilling life. She was born on January 13, 1933, in Two Rivers, Wis., the oldest of six children raised by William and Anna (Fuchs) Koeser. During a break from her studies at UW-Madison in 1952, she met her future husband, Jim Laundrie, married him on August 29, 1953, and began their journey as parents the following year.

After two years at Ellsworth U.S. Air Force base in Rapid City, S.D., the family settled in Madison, raising a total of nine children in the same house where she remained until her final weeks.

A devoted mother and grandmother, Gloria cherished the company of young children, always ready to share stories from her own childhood, reflect on family joys and challenges, or join in a game or movie.

Gloria worked for several years as a Licensed Practical Nurse, proudly applying her skills of care and compassion both professionally and at home.

An avid and lifelong doll enthusiast, Gloria co-founded the Madison Area Doll Club more than 50 years ago. She collected and created dolls reminiscent of her childhood and worked with the Wisconsin Historical Society to help photograph and catalog their extensive doll collection. Some of her original paper doll designs were published nationally, and for conventions she and Jim crafted stand-up wooden “paper” dolls, distinguished by her uniquely hand-drawn faces.

She shared her passion for stage or screen musicals through her piano, record player, and VCR, even performing with several community theaters and choirs. She was interested in everyone’s wide musical interests and excited to attend any family member’s show, whether on a school stage or in the living room.

An enthusiastic writer, Gloria spent countless hours at her typewriter and computer composing poems and stories about growing up on Lake Michigan, fairies, and family life. The subject of her emails was often “Just a Note” but the body often was not, sometimes included valuable life advice, inspiring stories, or words of encouragement that can be pulled from archives as needed.

Faith played a central role in Gloria’s life. She and Jim helped establish the Community of John the 23rd Church in Madison. In later years, she shared her spiritual gifts through teaching youth at Messiah Lutheran Church, both in person and via Zoom. Her deep belief in a higher power sustained her through life’s challenges, and she enjoyed sharing and living Messiah’s weekly message.

Gloria is survived by her children: Michelle Cihla, Jon (Marsha), Andy (Pam), Jerry, Tony, David and Heidi Laundrie; her brothers: Leland, Jim and Greg (Mary) Koeser; her sisters: Lynn (Steve) Neuser and Marjorie (Dan) Loberger; and an overflowing basket of grandkids and great-grandkids. She was preceded in death by her husband Jim; sons James Jr. and Robert; daughter-in-law Laura; and sister-in-law Marilyn.

From one of her many “Just a Note” messages to the kids: “I love you all with all my heart. I hope you know that. Don't forget me. These things, my dolls and paper dolls I have made, are what I leave as reminders of an imperfect girl, woman, and human being, who did her best, always wishing it were better or perfect. Since perfect can never be, accept me as I am. My wish for all of you is that you will always accept yourselves with love and compassion and joy.”

A celebration of Gloria’s life will be held at MESSIAH LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5202 Cottage Grove Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 26, 2025. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Messiah Church Youth Group, Agrace HospiceCare, Stand In The Light Memory Choir, PBS or NPR. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Gloria A Laundrie

January 13, 1933 - July 17, 2025

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