Laurel Ann Minck

Laurel Ann Minck, age 85 of Paulding, Ohio, passed away on Wednesday evening, January 14, 2026 at CHP Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center.  
  
She was born in Paulding, Ohio on April 28, 1940 to the late Richard and Illa (Aten) LaFountain. Laurel earned her Associates degree from Northwest State Community College and worked as an office associate for German Mutual Insurance Company in Napoleon, Ohio for ten years until her retirement. 

Laurel was a faithful member of St. John Catholic Church and enjoyed her involvement with the Altar Rosary Society and the CLC-Catholic Ladies Committee. She was also the former Principal of Catechism at Divine Mercy in Paulding. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, baking, cross stitch, watching Wheel of Fortune, and doing puzzles. Laurel and her loving companion Ed Batt spent their retirement years traveling to Germany, Rome, Alaska, Ireland and Hawaii, living life to the fullest. She loved watching her great-grandchildren and attending their athletic events. Laurel's kindness extended beyond her family, as she faithfully supported many charitable organizations.
  
Laurel is survived by her children, Linda (Brian) Miller of Antwerp and Michael (Candy) Minck of Grover Hill, Ed's children Shelli (George) Jorkos of Stryker, OH and Larry (Annette) Batt of Defiance 18 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her siblings, Joseph LaFountain and Tom LaFountain, both of Paulding, Jean (Sherry) LaFountain of Swanton, OH, Mark (Ellie) LaFountain of New Mexico, Carol Coffeey of Oklahoma, and sister-in-law Susan LaFountain of Paulding. 
  
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her companion Ed Batt, sisters Rose and Christine LaFountain, brother John LaFountain, and grandson Michael Jorkos.
  
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 from 2-8 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home South, Lawson-Roessner Chapel (1753 S. Clinton Street) in Defiance, with a Rosary Service at 2:00 pm. A Mass of Christian burial will be at 11:00 am on Wednesday, January 21st at St. Isidore Catholic Church, with Fr. John Stites officiating. Laurel will be laid to rest at St. Isidore (Marysdale) Catholic Cemetery.
  
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to ELARA Caring Hospice Foundation or to a charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.

The family would like to thank the staff of Glenn Park, The Gardens of Paulding, CHP Hospice and ELARA Caring Hospice for their outstanding care and compassion.  

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