Laura Brown

Laura Brown, 62, of Petoskey, passed away on February 24, 2025, at home surrounded by her family.

Born June 29, 1962 in Syracuse, New York to Ronald and Anne Brown (Farrell). Before the age of three, her family moved to Wausau, Wisconsin where she lived until the age of 22.

In 1983, Laura married her high school sweetheart, and together they had two children: Andrew James Kohlbeck and Sarah Ann Kohlbeck. Throughout her marriage, Laura and her family relocated multiple times within the Midwest (Sterling Heights, MI; Minneapolis, MN; Aurora, IL; Saline, MI) eventually establishing a home in Petoskey where they owned and operated Petoskey Moving Company, which they sold before her divorce. It was after this that Laura pursued her passion for the medical field where she formed many lasting friendships.

A devoted mother, Laura loved being a stay-at-home mom: her children and her grandchildren were her world

Over the years, Laura’s involvement in the communities she lived allowed her to pursue a higher purpose. She became a beacon of hope for many, dedicating her time to various charitable initiatives and local organizations including the Neighborhood Association of Saline, Member of the Advisory Committee at St. Francis School in Petoskey, Brownie Leader, and founding member of COATS (Community Offering Alternative to Substance Abuse), a cause close to her heart. Additionally, Laura volunteered with Hospice and was named Hospice Volunteer of the Year. She also served on the Board of the YMCA, and worked with the Emmet County Sheriff’s Office Victim Service Unit.

Laura’s passion for making a difference was evident in every project she undertook. Her innate ability to connect with people from all walks of life was a true gift, and her deep empathy fueled her desire to create positive change.

While in Petoskey, Laura’s career included being a server at Applebee’s before transitioning to weekend bartending. She worked full time at Bayview OB/GYN as a medical assistant under Dr. Ivey. Laura cherished her time there, forming deep connections with patients, all of whom supported her throughout her two battles with cancer.

Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019, Laura took leave of her weekend job but continued working at the clinic. She underwent 14 months of treatment reaching remission in January, 2021. Unfortunately, the treatment that saved her life from breast cancer developed into a secondary cancer, Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), 22 months later. Treated with low doses of chemotherapy, she went into temporary remission. Her AML returned in September of 2024.

Laura’s greatest joys were her children and her three grandchildren. She was a fiercely devoted and loving mother and grandmother. Nothing brought her greater joy than being with her family.

Throughout her life, Laura was deeply supported by her family and close friends Brad Fleming, Dawn Rheinhart, Dr. Mary Ivey, and Linda Richards.

Laura wishes to personally express her thanks to Dr. Elena Coppola, her Oncologist, who stayed with her throughout both cancers. Additionally, Laura wishes to extend her gratitude to all the staff at Karmanos Cancer Center in Petoskey.

She is survived by her children Andrew Kohlbeck (fiancée Shelly Lunceford), Sarah Kohlbeck; three grandchildren Emma, Calvin, and Trey; her siblings Theresa (Ted) Slaman, Valerie Brown, and Patrick Brown; nephew Ryan Dippman and nieces Heather Nowak, Christie Nowak and Esther Slaman. Laura is preceded in death by her parents; nephew Elias Slaman; grandparents; and many aunts and uncles.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 20, 2025 at 11:00 am at Holy Childhood of Jesus Parish in Harbor Springs.

Burial will take place at Greenwood Cemetery March 20, 2025 at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the following: Karmanos Cancer Center and McLaren Hospice and Palliative Care.

Arrangements are in the care of Stone Funeral Home, Petoskey.

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