Laura Blankenfeld, 70, of Grinnell, died at her home on Monday, February 2, 2026.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 AM, Monday, February 9, 2026 at the Grinnell Christian Church. A reception will follow in the Family Life Center (gymnasium) at the church.

Laura's family will receive friends at the visitation held from 1:00 PM until 5:00 PM on Sunday, February 8, 2026 at the Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to Mason's Lighthouse (https://masonslighthouse.org) and mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home and Crematory, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112. Memories and condolences may be shared with Laura's family online at www.smithfh.com.

Laura Blankenfeld was born the daughter of Glen Joe Kriegel and Linda Gae (Guddendorf) Kriegel on June 18, 1955, in Fort Dix, New Jersey. She was raised in Brooklyn, Iowa, and graduated from BGM High School with the Class of 1973.

Laura was united in marriage to Bruce Blankenfeld on August 9, 1975, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Brooklyn. Together they were blessed with three children, Melissa, Cory, and Matthew, and raised their family in Grinnell.

Laura worked at Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance and later dedicated nineteen years as a paraeducator at Davis and Fairview Schools in Grinnell, where she touched the lives of countless students. She also owned and operated Westside Family Restaurant for many years alongside her husband and son, Matt. Laura was especially known for her homemade pies, which became a favorite for many in the community.

Laura's greatest love was her family. She adored her grandchildren and never missed an opportunity to attend their activities. Her grandchildren fondly recall that she often ended conversations by saying, "I love you so much." Laura prepared a family meal every Wednesday night, a cherished tradition that brought everyone together. She loved Christmas and decorating for the holidays, enjoyed gardening and tending to her flowers, and especially loved traveling — with beach vacations holding a special place in her heart. Generous and selfless by nature, Laura never turned away anyone in need; her answer was always, "Of course." Her home was always open, her table always full, and her love always freely given.

Laura is survived by her husband of 50 years, Bruce Blankenfeld of Grinnell; her daughter, Melissa (Curt) Graff of Grinnell and their children, Ashlynn, Brayden, and Briley; her son, Cory (Alicia) Blankenfeld of Grinnell and their children, Olivia and Owen; her son, Matt (Alison) Blankenfeld of Grinnell and their children Avelyn, Liam, and Amelia; her siblings, Karen (Kenny) Thompson, Cheryl (Rick) Burnham, both of Grinnell, Mark (Deb Gingerich) Kriegel of Brooklyn, Curtis (Angie) Kriegel of Hartwick, and Mindy (Tony) Hall of Grinnell; her brother-in-law, Marty Burkle of North Liberty; and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Steven and Kevin Kriegel, and Ginny Burkle; her grandson, Dylan Graff; her sister-in-law, Lisa Kriegel; and her brothers-in-law, Leon Blankenfeld and Paul Strovers.