Lolo's 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…

I met Laura about four years ago when I was just starting out in the apartment industry. She immediately made me feel welcome and that was just who she was. Every interaction I had with her was genuine, full of warmth, humor, and that unspoken understanding you only have with certain people. We shared inside jokes, and talked a little crap.

Not long ago, it was my birthday. Laura and Mike surprised me with a thoughtful gift. Laura handed it to me and said, “This is to tell you we care about you. Happy Birthday.” The gift was a small wooden memo board that read “Always stay humble and kind.” It meant so much more than just a present, it was a reflection of how she saw me, and how she lived her life.

If you don’t know me, I’m from the Midwest lol something Laura and I joked about…

Welcome to Lolo's Tales, a cozy corner of the internet dedicated to cherishing the memories and stories of our beloved Lolo. Though her time with us may have felt too short, Lolo covered many miles in her life, touching the hearts of countless people from all walks of life.

Feel free to post your favorite anecdotes, cherished memories of her travels and encounters, and any pictures you have of Lolo and the people she met along the way.