Laura M. Koivisto, 37, of 14911 N County Trunk B, Saxon, Wis., died unexpectedly Monday, Aug. 29, 2011, in Ironwood, following years of illness.      The former Laura Newberry was born Sept. 8, 1973, in Racine, Wis., daughter of Faith (Szymarek) Newberry and William Newberry. She attended Ironwood Catholic Grade School and graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in 1992. She then attended Mt. Scenario College in Ladysmith, Wis. for one year and Lake Superior State College in Sault Ste. Marie for one year.      While in high school, Laura was a highly competitive volleyball player. She and Angie Jenko led the girl's volleyball team to a 50-1 record in the 1991 and 1992 seasons.  In both years, the team took All-State honors, and Laura was named player of the year in 1992.  She was also very competitive in hockey and showing horses. She learned to ride cutting horses, and proudly ponied the standard breds at the Gogebic County Fair sulky races. A fervent animal lover, she also rescued horses and cats and other pets.      On Sept. 20, 1997, Laura was married to Larry Koivisto of Saxon at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Little Girl's Point, in Ironwood Township, by the Rev. Todd Frusti. Larry survives.      Also surviving are a step-son, Larry Koivisto Jr., of Gurney, Wis.; her mother, Faith Newberry, Ironwood Township; father, William Newberry, Ironwood; mother-in-law, Rose Anne Koivisto, Hurley; uncles, Clint Newberry (Gloria Schmidt), Ironwood, and Chuck (Kathy) Newberry, Medford, Wis.; brothers-and-sisters-in-law, Kenneth (Colleen) Koivisto and Donald (Susie) Koivisto, both of Saxon, Robert (Marcy) Koivisto and Katina Newberry, both of Ironwood Township, and Tammy (Nick) Pelkola, Hurley; and numerous nieces, nephews, step-aunts and uncles, cousins, and a special friend, Kathy Kirchner.      She was preceded in death by her brother, Bradley Newberry, on Aug. 12, 2009.      As per Laura's wishes, cremation has taken place.      Memorial services will be held Saturday, Sept. 3, at 11a.m., preceded by visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m., at the McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home, 305 N. Lowell St., in Ironwood, with the Rev. Wesley "Bo" Baumeister officiating.      Committal will follow.       Private inurnment will be in the Presque Isle Cemetery, Presque Isle, Wis.      Laura's obituary can be viewed online and condolences given to her family at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.      Arrangements are entrusted to McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ironwood