Laura J. Epplin, age 61, of Pinckneyville, died suddenly on Friday, November 17, 2000 at 4:45 p.m. in St Louis University Hospital, St Louis, Mo.

      Laura was born in Pinckneyville on May 6, 1939, the daughter of Edward F. and Emma (Walkenhorst) Mohr. She married August L. Epplin on March 3, 1962, at St. Bruno Catholic Church in Pinckneyville, and he survives.

      During her lifetime she was in charge of the kitchen at Pinckneyville Community High School for many years, and was a member of St. Bruno Catholic Church, worked as a clerk at Pinckneyville Kroger and Pinckneyville IGA Grocery Stores, a 4-H leader for the Pyatt Community 4-H Club, enjoyed quilting with numerous quilters in the areas, served on the St Bruno School Board and enjoyed her grandchildren.

      Survivors include her husband, August of Pinckneyville; three children, Greg Epplin and his wife, Julia, of Apex, N.C., Connie Keene and her husband, Thorn, of Peoria, Kent A. Epplin and his wife, Kelly, of Pinckneyville; three grandchildren: Scott J. Epplin, Hannah C. Epplin and Alyssa J. Keene; four brothers, Russell and his wife, Carolyn, of Pinckneyville, Carl and his wife, Mary Ann, of Pinckneyville, Robert and his wife, Ann, of Cutler, Edward Dean Mohr and his wife, Pat, of Murphysboro; six sisters, Martha Kendrick, and her husband, Euclid, of Tamaroa, Dorothy Storz of Cahokia, Delores Bender and her husband, William, of Pinckneyville, Mary Greer and her husband, Charles, of Pinckneyville, Emma Jean Blythe of Coulterville; and numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

      Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, November 21, 2000, in St Bruno Catholic Church, with Fr. John Venegoni officiating. Interment will be in St Bruno Catholic Cemetery. Friends may call from 5 to 9 a.m. Tuesday at Pyatt-Harrawood Funeral Home in Pinckneyville.