Laurie Lavonne (Combs) Baartz age 68 passed away peacefully on January 27, 2024, with her family by her side. Laurie was born August 29, 1955, to Roger and Leah Combs. She excelled in her years at school showing talent in math, office skills, home economics and art. During her high school years at Wisconsin Academy, she met her future husband Donavon Baartz. Laurie and Donavon married April 3, 1976. Throughout their years together they worked as a team first in dairy operation and later with the trucking company Rural American which they created. Laurie enjoyed her role running the office. Laurie and Donavon were blessed with their greatest accomplishment- Their 3 children Jodie, Beau and Kerrie. Laurie had many talents that she enjoyed and shared, including singing, playing guitar, writing songs, painting, cooking, road trips and keeping up with her yard with her lawnmower "The Dragon". Laurie's greatest joy was spending time with her children and grandchildren, friends and her beloved german shepherds. Laurie is preceded in death by her father Roger, husband Donavon, and sister-in-law Diane. She is survived by her children Jodie (Kent) Maloney, Beau Baartz and Kerrie (Richard) Evert. Grandchildren Samuel, Grace, Dillon, Camilla, Braiden and Colten. Her mother Leah, sister Kay (John) Herold, brothers-in-law Steve S., Steve A. and David. Sister-in-law Donna, nieces, nephews and companion Vilus. Services for Laurie will be held at noon on Monday, February 5, 2024, at the Seventh-Day Adventist Church with pastor Steve Aust officiating, Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to the time of service at 12:00 p.m. Burial will follow in the Cole-Fuller Cemetery in Portage. Kratz Funeral Home-Portage (www.kratzfuneralhome.com) is assisting the family with arrangements.