Laurel L. Gacek

November 4th, 1967 - January 29th, 2025

Laurel's Memory Wall

We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Laurel here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.

To Laurel's family, Our daughter Alyssa was a student in Laurel's classroom this year. Alyssa always enjoyed Mrs Gacek and looked forward to seeing her at school. Our older daughter also has fond memories of Mrs. Gacek helping in her classroom and being a friendly face at school. We will always remember the fun holiday parties in her classroom. We send our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Robert and Rebecca Neuman

February 8th, 2025 at 10:17am

With deep sorrow, we mourn the passing of our dear friend, Laurel. Our hearts go out to Matt, Meredith, and Grant during this incredibly difficult time. Laurel was the embodiment of love—devoted to her family, her faith, her students and her friends. She always spoke so highly of her family, and it was clear that her love for Matt, Meredith, and Grant was her greatest joy. Those beautiful bonds were a reflection of the person Laurel was: caring, devoted, and deeply selfless.

Laurel’s faith was at the core of her being, and she lived her life with a spirit of service, always putting others before herself. She was a devoted wife, mother, teacher, and friend. Whether it was through her work, her kindness, her laughter, or her smile, she touched every life she encountered. Her infectious humor and ability to make everyone laugh with her stories will be missed more than words can express.

One of the things I will forever cherish about Laurel was all the stories we shared about our families. She loved to share stories about Meredith and Grant, and it was clear that her pride and love for them knew no bounds. Those conversations were always a joy and a reminder of the close-knit family they are.

One of my favorite memories of Laurel was the Spring Break "Left Behind Club" gatherings we shared. Our Title One and EL group, that didn't have Spring Break travel plans, came together at my house for a fun afternoon of movies, drinks, and hors d'oeuvres. Watching Pitch Perfect had us all in stitches, as did Matty S, and we couldn’t wait for a sequel to keep the fun going. We got our wish with Pitch Perfect 2 the following Spring Break, and we laughed so hard we cried. Those moments will remain in my heart forever.

Laurel had a way of bringing joy into every space she entered. Her impeccable style, her infectious laughter, and her devotion to everyone around her will never be forgotten. She was truly a Christian woman, living her life with love and grace.

To Matt, Meredith, and Grant: You are in my thoughts and prayers. I pray that the beautiful memories of Laurel bring you comfort and peace in the difficult days ahead. Laurel’s legacy of love and laughter will continue to shine in all of us who were blessed to know her.

Rest in peace, dear friend. You were loved and will be missed more than you could ever know.

Michele A Tucker

February 3rd, 2025 at 11:51pm

Dear Family, I write this as a testament of hope as I understand her Father might view his eldest daughter’s life’s journey. He viewed life events differently than most people. I once was telling him about our mother’s passing and he said to me”easy for you to say”, it has taken me years to understand his meaning. You see, Laurel Dad, Brian, believed all life was eternal. And much like Shakespeare, when Hamlet says to Horatio, “ There is more to Heaven and Earth then meets the eye Horatio.” I believe her father was right, and he understood that God was ever present in both life and death. The soul is eternal. And I believe her Father and Laurel are together know.

Drew Snyder

February 2nd, 2025 at 5:38pm

Dear Matt, Meredith and Grant

We are so sorry and deeply sadden to learn of Laurel’s death. She was such a sweet, caring person that held her family first but always was able to make others like myself so welcome to church. I remember when your family first came to Saron you all got involved in Saron activities. She wanted her family to be involved so that they would be interested in contributing in Saron’s ministry. I believe you kids were involved in so many activities and helped out in so many ministry projects that were encouraged by both your mom and dad. They wanted you strong in your faith.

Grant and Meredith, your mother was so very proud of you both. When ever I would talk to her asking how you two were doing she would light up and was so glad to talk about you both. You are very lucky to have had a mother and you dad so involved in your lives.

We don’t get to Saron services as often as we would like as now live in Grand Rapids now but when we do, she always would come over to greet us and of course talk about the family. I enjoyed for years playing in the Bell choir and singing in the choir with Laurel. Laurel held some very important spots in the church, her presents will leave a big gap.

We are so very blessed that we got to know Laurel, Matt and you kids. I hope that all the memories you have made together will give your family some peace during this hard time and in your future. Her love will always be with you all and hopefully her influence will stay with you the rest of your lives.

Laurel has given her family such good guidance and memories with her love. Laurel has been a blessing to so many people at Saron, she will be with us forever. Rest In Peace Dear Laurel.