Laura J. Clarey

Laura (Vander Vorst) Clarey, 46, Fargo Public Schools educator, passed into the presence of God October 1, 2026, after a 7-year battle with breast cancer.

Laura Joy Vander Vorst was born July 28, 1980, in Jamestown to Blake and Kathy Vander Vorst, going home to rural Fessenden, ND. She also lived in Dickinson, ND, before settling with her family at 1013 N 29th St, Bismarck. Siblings Bethany Jean and Aaron Blake joined her during this time. Laura attended Bismarck Public Schools and Shiloh Christian School, graduating from BHS in 1999. During her school years she excelled in music, being gifted in piano, flute, and voice. Laura also enjoyed 4-H, developing a love for sewing, cooking and gardening at a young age. During these years she came to have a trusting relationship in Jesus Christ and spent many summers attending, volunteering, and counseling at Cooperstown Bible Camp. Mentors in her young life included Bob Peske, BHS music educator, Linda Aafedt and Susan Bultsma, youth Bible Study leaders, and JoLynn Keller, piano teacher.

Laura graduated from Concordia College in 2003. These years were formative for her as she was thrilled to sing in the annual Christmas Concert and decided she was being called into elementary education. She also met and married her beloved Jim Clarey May 31, 2003.

Laura taught school in Somerset, WI, Westside Elementary, WF, and Washington and Eagles Elementary, Fargo. During these years she also completed a Masters in Elementary Education from St Catherines, St. Paul, and a Masters in Educational Leadership from NDSU.

Laura leaves two sons: Josiah Stephen born Dec 5, 2008, and Jacob Blake (Jack) born Dec 16, 2016. She also leaves her husband Jim, parents Blake and Kathy (DeKrey) Vander Vorst, siblings Bethany (Vander Vorst) and Matt Loney, and Aaron & Becky (Seymour) Vander Vorst; in-laws Steve and Carol (Opsahl) Clarey, Jim’s siblings Meghann (Clarey) and Dave Greeder and Jon Clarey. Laura was also a very special Auntie Laura to Claire, Katelyn and Luke Loney; Zoe, Elijah and Micah Vander Vorst; and Summer, Skye, and Tyler Greeder. Preceding her in death were her grandparents Ed C. and Minnie (Vander Laan) Vander Vorst and Lester and June (Stotlar) DeKrey.

Laura loved family time at Potato Lake and Lake Belle Taine, Minnesota, and time to relax at home with family. She will be remembered forever for her leadership, resilience, work ethic, positivity, faith, and joyful spirit. In lieu of memorials, contributions may be made to college funds for Josiah and Jack.

Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, October 17, 10:00 a.m. visitation, 11:00 a.m. service with livestream, and 12:00 noon lunch, Bethel Church, Fargo.