Lauren Kozlowski-Schuett

Lauren Kozlowski-Schuett, age 59 of Ottertail, MN, passed away six days short of her 60th birthday on Sunday, February 22, 2026, in her home under the care of HIA Hospice. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Holiday Inn Detroit Lakes on June 6, at 1:00 PM, with the program beginning at 1:30, followed by food and refreshments.

Lauren was the youngest of five daughters born to Willard “Bill” and Betty “Betsy” (Norman) Kozlowski. Bill was a Chief Master Sergeant with the Air Force. Lauren was born in Vandenberg Air Force Base, in Lompoc, CA, on February 28, 1966. Her father’s last assignment was at Grand Forks Air Force Base, where he worked on Minuteman missiles located in silos across North Dakota during the Cold War.

Wanting to raise his daughters in small-town USA, Bill purchased a home where the prairie meets the pines, seven miles east of Waubun, MN, in 1975. Lauren graduated from Waubun High School in 1984 and received her degree in fashion merchandising from M-State in Moorhead. She started working at Vanity in Detroit Lakes, MN, and then became manager of The Limited at West Acres Mall in Fargo, ND. She eventually moved back to Detroit Lakes and became co-manager of Maurice’s in the Washington Square Mall. Lauren was a waitress at Hotel Shoreham for 18 years. When Maurice’s closed for a short time, Lauren was immediately hired by UPS in Detroit Lakes. She spent the next 25+ years as a delivery driver.

Lauren had a very strong work ethic and took her job very seriously. She would deviate from company policy to get a customer their medication, a farmer his part, or a business owner that important overnight package. She also gained a number of furry friends along her route, as they knew Lauren always carried treats. Sometimes she would struggle with the customer's names, but she knew all the dogs and the dog's names. The dogs knew the sound of Lauren’s truck and would come running. Some would even jump right into her truck for her treat. Lauren was only nipped once by a dog, but she claimed the dog was blind. Lauren was very proud of her 25 years of accident-free driving.

Set up on a blind date by her coworker, Lauren met Whitey. Their journey began in 2007, and they were married on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2016. They spent their time between their homes in Perham, MN, and their home on Otter Tail Lake. They spent many winter vacations at the Cavanagh homes in Naples, FL. Lauren loved Otter Tail Lake and her neighbors. She enjoyed the lake life, pontoon and boat rides, motorcycling, snowmobiling, horseback riding, bonfires, manual transmissions, and a shot of tequila. Lauren was known for her ribeye steaks on the grill, keeping a clean house and car, and for throwing the best birthday parties. She loved getting her hair done, shopping, and nice clothes.

Lauren was a believer, and her faith in Jesus kept her strong while living with cancer. She knew that Jesus would be waiting for her on the other side. Lauren was very kind and generous. She never hesitated to stop and pray with someone. She made a difference in so many people’s lives as she truly and genuinely loved people. Most importantly, Lauren made everyone she met feel special and loved. Lauren was a bridesmaid 16 times.

Lauren will be dearly missed by her husband Whitey of Otter Tail Lake; her stepdaughter, Jaci (Hayden) Sturdevant of Perham; granddaughter, Saylor Sturdevant; her mother, Betsy Kozlowski of Bemidji, MN; her sisters, Sherry (Gary) Russell of Bemidji, Karen (Pat) Mitchell of Callaway, MN, Jill (Bob) Hagge of Bemidji, and Kristi Kozlowski of Cedar Park, TX; her brothers-in-law, Bill (Nancy) Schuett of Edina, MN, and Tim (Beth) Schuett of Detroit Lakes; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Preceding Lauren in death were her father, Bill Kozlowski; grandparents; aunts and uncles.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Empowering Kids in Perham or the Ottertail Community and Wellness Center.

Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service, Perham, MN (218) 346-5175 www.schoenebergerfh.com