Lolo Tales

I met Laura about 4 years ago when I started frequenting Ham Radio Outlet after moving to Denver in 2020. She was incredibly hospitable, always made sure I had what I needed when shopping, and her bright light/caring nature was evident in all her employees I came in contact with.

One of my favorite memories of her; she grew a fascination not only with my Ohio callsign but with my last name “Rushmore”. I told her that my last name was related to a great-great-great uncle Charles E Rushmore, who helped fund the project of what would become Mount Rushmore bearing his last name. I told her I only heard of him through my Grandpa’s stories but he was indeed part of my family tree. 

The day we were discussing this I was at the checkout purchasing some radio gear, and she disappeared to the back of the store for…

I worked with Lo at the movie theater in Orland Park. I have many fond memories during my time working there, especially when she became the manager. It was one of my first jobs. I’ll never forget her laugh, I can still hear it today, decades later. She had a great sense of humor and taught me a lot about work ethic. She touched many lives and had a big impact on mine. I’ll never forget her. Her personality was larger than life, which is why she stands out. May God bless her in heaven, and I pray for the friends and family she is survived by. Even though our paths only crossed for a short period of time, she will forever live in my heart because of her kindness, understanding, and caring personality.

I can't recall when I met Laura, but it must have been via Margie Owens-Klotz. Laura was so nice. Laura had a sweet smile. She wasn't one to take the spotlight, but I remember her as smart, attentive and very kind. She will be missed.

It was August, 1981 when I met Laura Totleben. We were both enrolled in an accounting class at Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills, IL, where I now teach. 😂

I had an automatic pencil and the end broke off making it impossible to write.

I turned to the quiet girl next to me and said, “My lead just broke.” If I remember correctly, Laura pulled out a plastic pencil box and handed me one of the many pencils from inside of the box.

That day will live in infamy as a more than four decades friendship was forged.

I was Laura’s first Orland Park friend as Totlebens had recently moved to the Chicago area from Bettendorf, IA. Laura’s dad was a manager for Sears.

In accounting, Laura and I always sat next to each other and both enjoyed seeing our very attractive male instructor who looked like he…