Laura Fleming-Mitchell

Laura Mae Fleming Mitchell, 85, of Grand Forks, formerly of Crystal, ND, died on Monday, January 10, 2005, at the Luther Memorial Home, Mayville, ND. She was born on February 21, 1919, near Hamilton, ND, to George and Emma (Bjarnason) Fleming. She graduated from Hamilton High School and Mayville State College. She taught in the public schools of Hensel, Michigan, Grand Forks, and Crystal, ND, and also taught piano privately. From 1943 to 1946 she served as a Research Analyst for the War Department in Washington, DC, and thereafter worked briefly for the Pasadena (CA) Star News.

She married Robert B. Mitchell on June 17, 1951, in Grand Forks. They farmed near Crystal until retirement. She was an active member of Crystal United Methodist Church. She served on the board of the Northeastern North Dakota Heritage Association from its inception. In 1989 she received the Pioneer Historian Award from the Red River Valley Heritage Society. North Dakota Parks and Recreation presented her with Special Merit Awards in 1995 and 2001 for her leadership in historical interpretation at Icelandic State Park. She researched, authored and edited several local historical publications. She was a member and past president of Pioneer Daughters and was active in AAUW and area garden clubs. She was an avid birdwatcher and loved music and flowers.

Laura is survived by her husband, Robert, of Mayville; her children, Robert (Grayce) Mitchell of Seattle, WA, Sheila (Stephen) Dacus of Overland Park, KS, and Stuart, Grand Forks; and five grandchildren: Carrie and Emily Mitchell and Laura, Caitlin and Andrew Dacus.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Roberta Sylvester, and her brothers George Alex Fleming and James Sidney Fleming.

Memorials may be sent to the Northeastern North Dakota Heritage Association or to a charity of your choice.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 17, 2005, at 11:00 a.m. at the Crystal United Methodist Church, Crystal, ND. Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 16th from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Jensen-Askew Funeral Home, Cavalier, ND. Visitation will also take place at the church for one hour before the time of services. Burial will be in the Crystal Memorial Cemetery, Crystal, ND.