Lauren Knorr, 6 months, Hutchinson
Lauren Emily Knorr, 6 months, of Hutchinson, died Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015, at the Tomah Memorial Hospital in Tomah, Wis.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday, Feb. 7, at St. Anastasia Catholic Church in Hutchinson with the Rev. Jerry Meidl officiating. Bev Wangerin was the pianist and Jennifer Lauinger was the flutist. Song leaders were Patti Cogley and Bobbi Ludewig. Soloist Patti Cogley sang “Child of Wonder.” The St. Anastasia children’s choir sang “Every Move I Make.” Special music was by Shanda Landes, Joy Freitag, Roxanna Boe, Mark Lueders and Denise Lueders. Musical selections were “Enter the Journey,” “Hail Mary, Gentle Woman,” “Song of Farewell” and “Fly Like a Bird.”
Pallbearers were Eric Inglis, Nick Heitz, Brian Knorr, Michael Knorr and John McCormick. Honorary bearers were Tom Inglis and Clint Knorr. Interment was in the church cemetery.
Lauren Emily Knorr was born July 18, 2014, in Hutchinson, the daughter of Shawn and Jessica (Inglis) Knorr. She was baptized as an infant on July 27, 2014, at Minneapolis Children’s Hospital, and confirmed in faith on Aug. 10, 2014, at St. Anastasia Catholic Church in Hutchinson.
Lauren’s journey began at Hutchinson Health, where our precious little girl entered the world with a head full of dark, curly hair. She was lovingly embraced by her big sisters and parents as the perfect addition to our family.
Within a few days, Lauren began to experience many seizures and neurological concerns, resulting in her inability to suck, swallow or cry. She was transported to Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis, where she would spend the first month of her life.
Despite all the love and care Lauren received from her amazing doctors and nurses, we were unable to find a cause or treatment for her condition. On Aug. 9, we brought our daughter home on Hospice care so that she could spend her last days feeling the warmth and comfort of family. She was expected to live for only a week.
Through the grace of God, Lauren exceeded all of our expectations and gave us six precious months. During that time, our family was able to share so many of our favorite places, people and life experiences with our sweet baby. Knowing life with Lauren would be cut too short, we chose to live life to the fullest — taking her on trips to the zoo, going for walks around the river and snuggling every moment we could.
Lauren’s quiet presence in our lives was a source of immense joy and valuable lessons. Even though our hopes and dreams for a long, healthy life for our little girl were not realized, Lauren’s life taught us so many amazing things. Through her, we learned the true value of kindness and generosity, the importance of family and friends, and the blessing of unconditional, never-ending love. These unexpected gifts from a small, innocent baby, brought us a deeper appreciation of God’s love, and our world will forever be more full and complete because of her. While her life was short, it was incredible. Her light touched the hearts of so many. We will be forever grateful for knowing and loving our precious Lauren.
She is survived by her parents, Shawn and Jessica Knorr of Hutchinson; sisters, Ava and Julia; grandparents, Tom and Mary Inglis, Bonnie Knorr and Clint and Diane Knorr, all of Hutchinson; aunts and uncles, Michael (Josie) Knorr of Waconia, Christine (Knorr) Ruppert of Hutchinson, Brian (Heather) Knorr of Hutchinson, John McCormick of Charlotte, N.C., Emily (Nick) Heitz of Minneapolis, and Eric Inglis of Rice; cousins, Cassidy Ruppert, Cade Ruppert, Hayden Knorr, Haley Knorr, Brady Knorr, Lily McCormick, Anna McCormick and Baby Heitz; many great aunts and uncles, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her great-grandparents, Donald and Elizabeth Krasen, Walter and Cleo Knorr, Stephen and Gertrude Inglis and Edward and Theresa Sobota; and cousin, Hope McCormick.
Arrangements were by the Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson. Online obituaries and guest book are available at www.hantge.com.
