Laura Ann “Laurie” Luetjen passed away peacefully Monday, May 11, 2026. The following day was to be the celebration of her 77th birthday.

Laurie was born May 12, 1949 in Chicago, Illinois. She attended college at the University of Illinois where she joined the Phi Mu sorority. Many of her Phi Mu sorority sisters would remain Laurie’s closest and dearest friends.

Laurie moved to Los Angeles after college, and integrated her love of art in every aspect of her life.

She met her husband Ken when she volunteered to fill in a restaurant shift for her roommate. Ken was the chef of the restaurant at the time. They married in 1984 and their son Drew was born the following year.

Ken, Laurie and Drew moved to Santa Barbara afterward, where they purchased a home and a restaurant, The Dutch Garden. They would continue their work at the restaurant until 2022, when they retired and sold the business.

Laurie leaves her husband Ken; son Drew; sister Nancy; and brother “Biff;” as well as countless friends.

In love and gratitude to our “Laurie” who made her life a work of art.