Laura Marie Mengar

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Laura’s Livestream Service will begin at 12 noon CT on Monday, May 18, 2026. Scroll down to the Webcast section and click on “Watch Now.”

FITCHBURG - Laura Marie (Woicek) Mengar, age 39, passed away unexpectedly after a brief illness on Friday, May 1, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Her passing leaves a deep and sudden emptiness in the hearts of those who loved her.

Laura was born in North Fond du Lac, Wis., on February 7, 1987, to John and Geralyn “Tootie” (Schmitz) Woicek. She was the salutatorian of her Horace Mann High School graduating class of 2005. She went on to receive her undergraduate degree from UW-Milwaukee and her master’s degree in social work from UW-Madison.

Laura and her husband, David, resided in Fitchburg, Wis. Their marriage was filled with some of their most treasured memories, including their honeymoon in Turks and Caicos and trips to Marco Island, creating lasting memories in the places they loved most. Spring was Laura’s favorite time of year, and together they welcomed the season as she planted and tended beautiful flowers that filled their home with color and life. They shared a special appreciation for cooking and dining out, finding joy in both the quiet moments at home and the experiences they created together.

Laura dedicated her life to supporting those facing mental health challenges. She believed in the healing power of connection - both human and animal -and found her greatest joy in guiding others toward peace and strength. She was a Licensed Master’s Level Therapist and Equine Professional trained in trauma-focused assisted psychotherapy. She was Level II trained in Natural Lifemanship and completed specialized training in EMDR, including Equine-Connected EMDR. The barn was her sanctuary, and horses were her lifelong passion. From the moment she first fell in love with horses at the age of five, they became an essential part of who she was. Some of her closest friendships blossomed from her love of horses. She spent several years in 4-H showing horses, which led her to build her dream business, “Healing in Rhythm,” focused on equine therapy.

Beyond her work, Laura found happiness in life’s simple, beautiful moments. She was an incredibly talented artist, she loved planting flowers, cooking for those she cared about, and spending treasured time with her nieces and nephews. They especially cherished riding Auntie Laura’s horses, creating memories filled with laughter and love that will last a lifetime. She never left her childhood home without Dad’s famous, black-seeded popcorn, always eating just one kernel at a time. She was her Daddy’s little girl.

Laura shared an extraordinarily close bond with her Mother, who was truly her very best friend. It was built on deep trust, love, and unwavering support. There was rarely a day that went by when they didn’t talk, staying connected through life’s every moment. Some of their best memories were shared side by side in the kitchen, and so many of Laura’s most beautiful qualities came from her Mom. Her kindness, strength, ambition, compassion, and even her radiant smile were reflections of the love and influence cultivated between them.

Laura was also deeply devoted to her faith and church family. She was an active and beloved member of Memorial United Church of Christ in Fitchburg, Wis., where she married the love of her life, David Mengar. She served as President of the Church Council for the past two years, Co-Chair of the Membership Committee, and Co-Chair of the Stewardship Committee. She formed many close and meaningful friendships. Her kindness, warmth, and unshakable faith touched countless lives within her community.

Laura leaves behind the animals who filled her heart with so much love: her first horse, Tippy; her cat, Teddy, who had been by her side for half of her life; and her precious dogs, Lucy and Marty. They were a constant source of comfort and joy, reflecting the deep bond she shared with all animals.

Laura is survived by her husband, David Mengar; parents, John and Geralyn “Tootie” Woicek; brothers, Matt (Erin) Woicek and Scott (Kimberly) Woicek; godchildren, Lillian Woicek, Peyton Woicek, and “Svenyboy” Mengar; and 12 additional treasured nieces and nephews, Charlotte, Abigail, Savannah, Brooks, Julian, Baby Woicek, Thea, Marcus, Phoebe, Ian, Caroline and Graham. She is further survived by her in-laws, Michael and Sandra Mengar; Danielle (Todd) Davis; and Derek (Kaylee) Mengar.

Laura leaves behind a legacy rooted in compassion, faith, and a deep commitment to helping others. Her gentle spirit, generous heart, and bright smile will be deeply missed but forever remembered by all who knew and loved her.

We are eternally grateful for the tireless care and compassion of the UW Hospital ICU physician teams and nursing staff, especially Nik and Nikke, who cared for her in her final hours.

In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at MEMORIAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, 5705 Lacy Road, Fitchburg, at 12 noon on Monday, May 18, 2026. A visitation will be held at the church from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 17, 2026, and from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday. The family invites everyone to a social gathering immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to support the ongoing care of Laura’s seven horses until permanent, loving homes can be found at https://everloved.com/life-of/laura-mengar-woicek/donate/. Contributions will help ensure that the horses who meant so much to Laura continue to be cared for in their familiar, comfortable environment-just as she would have wanted.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Fitchburg

Funeral & Cremation Care
2950 Chapel Valley Road
(608) 442-5002