Laurel Cooley, 83 of Spearfish passed away on Wednesday, October 8, 2014 at the David M Dorsett Healthcare Center in Spearfish.

Laurel was born in Philip, SD on November 18, 1930, to Morgan and K. Jane Williams. She attended a small country school outside of Philip and later graduated from Philip High School.

After high school, Laurel attended Black Hills State University where she met Donald K. Bjorum, who she married in 1950. The couple moved to Bowman, ND, where they started their teaching careers and had their first son Steven Paul in 1953. While in Bowman, they spent their summers running the D and L Drive-In. After a few years in Bowman, they both took teaching jobs in Pierre, SD. Dan William, their second son, was born in Pierre in 1957.

In 1967, Don accepted an administrative position with Spearfish Public Schools. They were able to return to the town where they had met in the Black Hills that they enjoyed so much. In 1974, they decided they were ready for a change and purchased the Valley Café located in downtown Spearfish. Don and Laurel enjoyed golfing, snowmobiling, and attending athletic events.

Laurel loved being social and purposeful which led her to be involved in the Spearfish Chamber of Commerce, Northern Hills Training Center, Spearfish Canyon Country Club, her Birthday Club, and other local civic and community activities. One of Laurel's greatest pleasures was spending time with family and friends.
After Don's death in 1983, Laurel sold the Valley Café and family home to retire. In 1985, she married Clyde "Bunck" Cooley. The couple enjoyed traveling, fishing, and quality time at the cabin they owned in Tollgate Flats located in the hills outside of Spearfish.

When Bunck passed in 2007, Laurel moved into a townhouse and became very connected to the Spearfish Senior Citizen Center. As an avid card player, it became her home – away – from home.

Her kindness, generosity, and affectionate spirit will be greatly missed by many. To love and be loved are blessings – Laurel experienced much of these in her life.

She is survived by her sons, Steve (Karen Wendel) Bjorum of Gillette, WY, and Dan (Barb) Bjorum of Valley City, ND; nine grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; brother, Reese (Bonnie) Williams, CA; numerous nieces and nephews and family members, Rita (Keith) Dennis of CO and Jo (John) Heck of Spearfish. She is preceded in death by her parents, and husbands, Donald Bjorum and Bunck Cooley.

Visitation will be from 4-6 P.M. on Monday, October 13, 2014 at Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapel in Spearfish. Funeral services will be at 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday, October 14, 2014 at the United Church of Christ with Pastor Gordon Higgins officiating. Burial will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to benefit the Spearfish Senior Citizens Center.

Arrangements are pending with Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Crematory Service of Spearfish