ABOVE: An urn containing the remains of Soon Bok Ogren was stolen from her son’s house in June of 2024, almost exactly four years after she passed. After five months, Ogren’s ashes were recovered by Chris Toomer and two of his recruits and they were successfully resealed and returned. Submitted photo.

FAIRMONT – For five months, a local family was without their mother due to a robbery, which included her ashes.

Soon Bok Ogren was an immigrant from Chuncheon, South Korea, who emigrated to America and settled in Martin County after having started her family in Oklahoma. She beat cancer seven times in her life, but died while undergoing further treatment on June 18, 2020. Her daughter, Laura Belle Girard of Martin County, said her mom was then cremated against the family’s wishes.

Four years later, almost to the day, the ashes were with Laura Belle’s brother, Randy Lee Ogren Jr., when tragedy struck.

“My brother was living in a duplex in Fairmont, and there were several robberies at that time,” Girard said. “My brother Randy Lee was set to go to Chuncheon, South Korea, to deliver my mom’s ashes and represent the family before I get over there.”

For the next five months, the ashes remained missing. In times of grief and shock such as this, Girard did what she could to cope.

“First, I say a prayer,” she said. “Secondly, I go see a medical professional should I need to. I follow their recommendations, I volunteer, I do yoga, I do therapy, I spend time with my friends, I get fresh air. I do my best, and I forget the rest.”

The agonizing wait came to an end while she was volunteering at the Salvation Army, and she received a call that the ashes had been recovered. Firefighter and Lakeview Funeral Home Owner Chris Toomer said the ashes were dropped off at the fire hall and recovered by firefighters, who then called Toomer. He then gave the ashes to Girard.

“I grabbed my mom’s remains, and then I prayed about it,” she said. “I called Ean Sinn (Sinn Family Celebration of Life Center), and he said, ‘Laura, we’re more than happy to take care of it.’ He resealed her, and we got her all set.”

Unfortunately, the perpetrator was not found along with them, and Girard said the investigation is still ongoing. The remains had been disturbed, and her brother’s passport and some jewelry were also discovered. Sadly, Randy Lee Ogren would not be there for the recovery of his mother and their possessions, as he died on October 13, 2024, 15 days before everything was found.

When all was set and done, and her mom was back safe with her, Girard cherished the moment.

“I walked around and sang a song to her,” she said. “It was an ethereal moment, otherworldly.”

None of it would have been possible without the community members who found the ashes and helped restore them. Girard said being in a community where she could receive this vital assistance was the absolute best.

“I’m ever so lucky to live in this community,” she said. “It’s the best. When I was younger, we lived in Germany, we lived in France. We traveled a lot because my father was a service member, and he had it right, that Minnesota is beautiful.”

Now, the plan is to have part of her buried in Fort Snelling by this upcoming Memorial Day weekend, ideally next to where her father and Soon Bok’s husband, Randy Lee Ogren Sr., currently lies. Girard said they’re also going to finish what they started by bringing Soon Bok Ogren’s ashes to South Korea as per tradition.