Laura's Journey
Laura Ann Totleben
August 1, 1963 - May 11, 2025
Laura Totleben, affectionately known as "Lolo," was born in Stoughton, Wisconsin, on August 1, 1963, to Virgene (Christensen) and Anthony Totleben. The youngest of seven children, she was a cherished sister to Deborah, the late Kristen, Joan, the late Raymond, Steven, and Ellen.
Laura possessed a spirit of adventure that would define her life's journey.
Her innate curiosity and desire to explore led her to travel extensively across the United States. This wanderlust extended internationally when she embarked on a period of study abroad in France, an experience that undoubtedly broadened her horizons and deepened her appreciation for different cultures. This passion for connection extended beyond her own travels, as she later opened her home to host exchange students, sharing her American roots with young people from around the world.
Laura's life unfolded across several states, each leaving its unique mark on her. Her formative years were spent in Iowa and she then landed in Illinois where many will fondly remember her as the welcoming manager of the local movie theater. Her generous spirit shone through as she often treated friends and acquaintances to complimentary films, creating lasting memories for the community.
California became another chapter in her story where she connected with people through her work at Curves. It was in California that fate intervened and she met her soulmate, Mike. Their shared passions led them to work side-by-side at Ham Radio Outlet, forging a deep bond built on companionship and mutual interests. Their adventure continued as they transferred together to Arizona and ultimately settled in Colorado.
Colorado became Laura's final earthly home where she passed away on May 11, 2025. Throughout her life, Laura embraced the beauty of the natural world. She was an avid hiker, always seeking new trails to explore and breathtaking vistas to admire. Her love for travel remained a constant with a particular fondness for spontaneous detours and discovering hidden gems by "following the brown signs," a testament to her adventurous spirit.
Music was another deep passion for Laura. A devoted fan of Jimmy Buffett, she even named her beloved cat after the iconic musician. She often shared her love of music through playful "name that tune" sound clips, connecting with friends and family through melodies.
Laura was also a proud and active Ham Radio operator, a hobby she enthusiastically embraced, even surprising her husband Mike, who was already licensed. Her adventurous spirit and playful nature were perfectly captured in their "save the date" announcement for their wedding, which humorously declared, "Hell froze over Lolo is getting married." Theirs was a partnership built on a shared love for adventure, the outdoors, and a joyful approach to life.
Beyond her many passions, Laura was a loving and cherished family member. She leaves behind her beloved husband, Mike; her stepchildren, Lauren and Alex; her step-granddaughter, Avalon; and their feline companions, BooBoo and Macy. She is also survived by her sisters, Deborah and Joan, her brother, Steven, and her sister, Ellen, as well as many nieces and nephews. Laura was preceded in death by her mother, Virgene, her father, Anthony, her siblings Kristen and Raymond, her stepmother Sharon, and her cherished cat, Jimmy.
Laura "Lolo" Totleben's life was a testament to embracing new experiences, fostering connections, and living with an open heart. Her journey across the country and her interactions with countless individuals left an indelible mark on many lives. Her warmth, generosity, and adventurous spirit will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.