Laura Kapka-Borchert, 81, Valley City, ND passed away Saturday, December 26, 2020 in Sheyenne Care Center, Valley City. Visitation will be held 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm Sunday, January 3 with a prayer service at 7:00 pm at Epworth United Methodist Church, Valley City. The funeral service will be held 2:00 pm, Monday January 4, 2021 at Epworth United Methodist Church with visitation one hour prior. The live stream service is viewable at: https://vimeo.com/495287064. A committal service will be held in the spring at Memory Gardens, Valley City.
Laura Belle Peterson was born October 17, 1939 to Albert and Valley Belle (Saufley) Peterson near LaMoure, ND. She attended Gladstone #1 country school through the eighth grade and graduated from College High in Valley City. Laura received her degree in education from Valley City State University teaching at various points and places throughout her lifetime.
Laura was always helping others and putting people ahead of herself. This calling led her to join the Peace Corps for two years. While in the Peace Corps she had the opportunity to serve the people of Peru assisting with implementing and developing safe sanitation systems.
Upon Laura’s return to the United States, she attended Asbury Theological Seminary in Kentucky. She then ministered in Grand Island, KY for ten years. Her next journey in life led her to Grand Prairie, TX where she was an office manager.
In 2000, Laura’s sister, Helen, became ill and Laura moved home to care for her until her passing. Laura loved to tell the story that while on her way back to North Dakota, the place she always considered her home, she had a strong feeling that someone besides her sister was waiting for her and she was right. Upon her return to North Dakota and being the volunteer she was, Laura assisted in the planning of the all school reunion. She noticed a friend, Duane, from high school had not RSVP’d and so she called him. This led to a rekindled friendship and love.
Laura was united in marriage to Duane Borchert May 19th, 2004. They made their home together on the home farm. Duane’s brother, Allen, also lived on the farm with them. When Allen became ill and had to move to Sheyenne Care Center Laura never missed a day visiting him. Laura and Duane enjoyed traveling together and making memories while visiting family and friends. They moved from the farm to Bridgeview Estates in 2018.
Laura spent her time volunteering at the library, senior center, delivering meals and was a part of Faith in Action. She had a fiery spirit and jumped right in which made her so special.
Laura is survived by her husband; brothers, Jerome (Anita) Peterson, Albert (Sharon) Peterson Jr. and Victor Peterson. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Laura is preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Curtiss Peterson, Eugene Peterson and Carl Peterson and sister, Helen McCleary.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Oliver-Nathan Funeral Chapel, Valley City. An online guestbook is available at www.oliver-nathanchapel.com