Laura Mae Bergstrom was born in Trail City, SD on August 20, 1928 to Raymond & Esther (Cessna) Bergstrom.  Laura was the fourth oldest of 17 children.  The family moved several times but Laura called Spearfish her home town where she went to Spearfish Normal School, which is now a part of BHSU.  She also attended a small school in Spearfish Canyon.

Laura began her career in the medical field around the age of 17 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Deadwood, SD.  She began working at Homestake Hospital in the late 1950's as a surgical aid, a position she loved and was very committed to until her medical retirement after 27 years.

Laura married Quentin Charles in 1949 and they raised their four children in Lead, SD.  Laura and Quentin were able to travel to Alaska which was on their bucket list.  They celebrated their 25th anniversary just before Quentin's death in 1974.  Laura married Glen Speirs in 1978 and they were married just shy of 25 years before Glen's death in 2003.  Laura and Glen shared many miles of travel.  Their retirement journeys took them to most of the United States and numerous countries.  After Glen's death Laura lived in Vermillion, SD and Spearfish, with the last 12 years being in Spearfish, with her son Chuck and his wife Amy where she resided until her passing.

Laura is survived by her 3 children: Ron and Eunice Charles, NE, Bonnie Burrer, AZ, Charles and Amy Charles, SD; adopted daughter Diane Koch, SD;  three step-children Craig and Alice Speirs, WY, Richard and Candy Speirs, VA, and Carol and Steve Bishop, WY;

Ten grandchildren; ten step-grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; 31 step-great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren and four step-great-great grandchildren; siblings: Mildred, Laverne, Holly, Keith, Arnold and Norman.

She was preceded in death by her husbands Quentin Charles & Glen Speirs; daughter Jean Charles; sons-in-law Roger Hertel and Mark Richards; grandson Jason Richards; step-daughter Nancy Hildebrand; her parents and ten siblings.

The family is very grateful to Chuck, Amy and Diane for taking care of our Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma and Great-Great-Grandma for the last 12 years.  Their commitment to care for Laura allowed her to remain at their home until her passing on December 21, 2023.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Isburg Crematory of Spearfish. Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com