Lori Jean Wegner-Barthol, age 61, of New Prague, died unexpectedly at her home on Saturday, February 25, 2023, just a few weeks shy of the birth of her first grandchild, who will be named Jayce, an event she was so very much looking forward to. Lori was born on December 10, 1961 in New Ulm to LaGrande and Marilyn (Norling) Wegner. She grew up in New Ulm, moved to Bloomington and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1980. She eventually attained her associate of arts degree from Brown Institute in medical assistance. Lori loved everything that had to do with flowers and gardening. She worked for various nurseries but found her passion creating beautiful gardens that decorated her outdoor landscapes and inside her home. She became an expert on flowers and plants and her knowledge was sought after by customers and colleagues alike. Her table was graced with fresh flowers on a regular basis as she enjoyed the creativity involved in making them. That creative spirit also manifested itself in her love of crafts and sewing, especially in the quilts that she gifted to her loved ones. Even her pets, of which there were numerous and well-loved dogs and cats, benefited from her abilities as she made cat toys filled with catnip!

What Lori will be most remembered for was her big heart. She was kind, helpful, and giving and always ready with an offer to assist in any need. She would have given the shirt off her back and never looked back and would do anything for anybody.

Lori is survived by her daughter, Brandi Wegner of New Prague; son, Aaron (Marina) Barthol of Glendale Heights, IL; step-son, Nick DeGidio & fiancé, Sara Stender; brothers, Randy (Marie) Wegner of Bloomington and Robert Wegner of Wisconsin. She is preceded in death by her father, LaGrande Wegner.

A private family celebration of life will be held at a future date.