Laurie Kay Jones

Laurie Kay Jones, 61, of Eagan, passed away on September 19, 2025, in Rochester, Minnesota, due to complications from lung cancer. Laurie was born on February 4, 1964, in New Ulm, MN to Gary and Carole (Riess) Jones. Her family moved to Red Wing in 1970, where Laurie graduated from Red Wing Central High School, class of 1982. Laurie went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin, LaCrosse, before receiving her law degree from Southwestern University School of Law in California. Laurie was a member of the CA and MN Bar Associations. She enjoyed a successful career as an attorney initially in CA, then once she moved to MN she worked in bankruptcy, private practice and later for Wells Fargo Bank. Laurie retired from US Bank when she was diagnosed with cancer. Laurie exemplified professionalism and commitment in her work. She spent time helping Wills for Heroes as a volunteer. In 2015, Laurie met her future wife, Tina Sweesy; they were married on the beach in 2017. Laurie and Tina shared a loving, committed relationship. They were blessed to find each other and share many great experiences. Once diagnosed with lung cancer, Laurie found a great deal of support through A Breath of Hope Lung Foundation. The support from this organization and the support of friends and family were priceless for Laurie.

Laurie's love for her family was evident in her joyful tradition of taking her nieces—Taylor, McKenzie, Emma, Rylie, Hailee, and Irelyn—to the North Shore of Minnesota each summer. Family meant everything to her, and she valued the bonds she shared with loved ones. She had a deep love for animals and served on the board of Helping Paws whose main goal is training service dogs. She also volunteered at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center caring for injured wildlife in MN. Laurie especially adored her pets--current ones being Bella, Lucy and Ricky. She had a vibrant personality and loved nature and the outdoors. She found joy in riding her bike and participated in the MS 150 for over 20 years, only missing this last year due to complications from cancer. Laurie was a devoted fan of both the Minnesota Lynx (long time season ticket holder) and the Minnesota Wild, she would often be texting with family members during the games as her family has a great enthusiasm for sports. Laurie's adventurous spirit and love for the outdoors were central to her identity. Some of her favorite activities were snorkeling, kayaking, traveling, hiking, (especially with her dog, Bella), swimming in the ocean, and eating/creating great food.

She is survived by her wife, Tina; mother, Carole Jones, siblings Tracy (Glyn) Sutton and Todd (Tracy) Jones; her 6 nieces; a stepdaughter, Elena Miller-Sweesy; great nephew, Lukas; great niece, Kathryn; uncle Michael Riess and aunt Betty Riess. Laurie was preceded in death by her father, Gary Jones, and her grandparents.

A visitation for Laurie will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, September 26, 2025, at Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel, Red Wing. Memorials are preferred to A Breath of Hope, Helping Paws or the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Roseville, MN.