Laura Lee Mussman, born Sept. 8, 1960, in Lincoln, passed away after a courageous battle of more than ten years with cancer. She attended the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where she was distinguished as both a student and a leader, serving as a member of the prestigious Innocents Society and graduating in 1982 with a degree in business. While working full time, she later earned a Master’s degree in Child Development. While still in college, Laura began working for Selection Research, Inc. (SRI), the organization that later became The Gallup Organization. What began as a college job became a meaningful professional career. Laura served as a recruiter and later as Vice President of Selection Research, contributing to the organization’s pioneering work in talent assessment and development. Her recruiting leadership resulted in thousands of candidates filling highly selective positions and her sharp predictions meant hundreds of people secured jobs where they excelled. She believed deeply in the philosophy of focusing on what we each do well, contributed to the science of interview assessment, and wrote hundreds of individualized reports that helped leaders—especially young adults—discover and build on their talents.

On Aug. 25, 1990, Laura married David C. Mussman at Sheridan Lutheran Church in Lincoln. They moved to Omaha in 2003 and raised their family together. Laura was active at Sheridan and St. Timothy’s Lutheran churches as a choir member, Sunday school teacher, and confirmation guide. She was also a longtime supporter of Youth Emergency Services.

Known as a “true friend and a good writer,” Laura’s annual Christmas letters were eagerly anticipated for their humor and engaging style. She had a special love for spirited, strongwilled children and never gave up on them.

She is survived by her husband, David; her father, John Burklund; her siblings; six children: Ian, Ruby, Grace, Noah, Travis, Stacy, and Lawrence “Red”; and three grandchildren: Winnie Laura, Thomas James, and Keziah. She was preceded in death by her mother, Norma; her niece, Ava Rose; and her nephew, Grant.

A viewing, visitation, and gathering of friends and family to celebrate Laura’s life with drinks and hors d’oeuvres will be held on Thursday, March 26, 2026, from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. at Heafey Hoffmann Dworak Cutler, 7805 West Center Rd., Omaha, NE 68124. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 27, 2026 at St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church, 510 N 93rd St, Omaha, NE 68114.

Memorials to Youth Emergency Services (YES)2566 Farnam Street, Ste. 301 Omaha, NE 68131.

To view live broadcasts of the services, please visit www. heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page. Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler, West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha, Ne 68124. (402)391-3900. www.heafeyheafey.com