Lauren Sterken Hubbard, age 15, of Shoreview died June 25, 2023 at Gillette Children’s Hospital in St. Paul. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, July 1, 2023 at First Evangelical Free Church, 2696 Hazelwood Street, Maplewood. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in Stanchfield Baptist Cemetery.
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To honor Lauren’s spunk and joy, please wear a bright color.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be given to Crescent Cove Respite & Hospice Home for Kids in honor of Lauren. Memorial gifts in her honor can be made at https://crescentcove.org (look for the “Give” link at the top of the page).
On Sunday, June 25, Lauren Renée Sterken Hubbard went home to be with the Lord who had created, sustained, and loved her for each of her 15 years. Lauren suffered a brain injury at birth and lived with the effects of cerebral palsy. However, she wasn’t known for her limitations. She was known for her smile, laugh, and love. How someone who endured so much pain could share so much joy is almost beyond comprehension. Now, her joy is complete because “Jesus is able to save completely those who come to God through him” (Hebrews 7:25).
Lauren was preceded in death by her father, Dan Sterken, and is survived by her mom (Kristy), siblings (Abby and Tytus), paternal grandparents (Dick and Carol Sterken), maternal grandparents (Tim and Kathy Heijermans), and her extended family: Dick & Kirsten Sterken and family; Dave & Erika Sterken and family; Daniel & Karrie Bethel and family; Nathan & Tara Heijermans and family. Lauren is also survived by her stepfather (Norman Hubbard) and step siblings (Tom, Kayla, Rachel, and Joseph), along with her step grandparents (Charlie & Betsy Hansen, Larry & Claire Hubbard). It would be impossible to name every caregiver who walked through our door to help Lauren and ended up loving her instead. We remember, honor, and pray for you. May your broken hearts find joy in Jesus as you remember Lauren’s laughter. She has been entrusted into the hands of the perfect Caregiver, and someday, you will come to her home again.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be given to Crescent Cove Respite & Hospice Home for Kids in honor of Lauren. Crescent Cove quickly became Lauren’s favorite place on earth, a foretaste of heaven for her. She was scheduled to stay at the Cove in August and November this year. Crescent Cove was Lauren’s second home, where she was surrounded by people who loved her in a beautiful environment designed with her in mind. Memorial gifts in her honor can be made at https://crescentcove.org (look for the “Give” link at the top of the page).
Norm, Kristy and family. Thank you for sharing this snapshot of Lauren’s life. I now understand that much better the significance of your loss.
May you all sense the powerful and comforting presence of Christ as you continue to grieve your loss and celebrate Lauren’s life and her new “complete” joy.
Norm and Kristy and all the family, though we never had the joy of meeting and getting to see the beautiful smile, laughter and joy of Lauren we rejoiced in the updates and reports along the way. We pray God’s rich blessings, strength and comfort during this transition. Dear sweet Lauren now has had all pain, suffering and any tears wiped away and she is PERFECT in the presence of Jesus. Please plan a trip to KC to visit with us one day in the not so distant future. With love and prayers, Glenn and Jackie
Dear Kristy, Norm, Tim, Kathy and Family,
So many good things for Lauren.
Lauren is now in Heaven with her Heavenly Father and Jesus.
Lauren is free from all the physical constraints she suffered in this life.
Lauren has had joyous reunions with her daddy and her grandparents.
Lauren has met so many interesting saints that have gone on before.
As the Apostle Paul said,
“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for those who love him.”
Physical separation from Lauren is fraught with sorrow, but we know that his separation from Lauren is only a temporary interlude before we see her in Heaven.
With our continued prayers for your family,
Garth and Tammy Pickard – Richmond, Texas
Although we never got to meet Lauren, we send our love and condolences to the family.
Norman, Kristy and family,
Although we were so saddened to hear about Lauren we rejoice in knowing that she is with her eternal father. That she is whole and has been reunited with Dan. We continue to pray for your family as you learn to navigate life in this new norm. Love the Buettners ❤️