Lavonne Gehlsen

LaVonne Anna Marie, daughter of Edward Albert Max and Bertha Kathrine (Grimm) Genzen, was born June 15, 1921, in Warren Township, Carroll County, Iowa. She was baptized into the Lutheran faith by Pastor J. M. Ansorge. LaVonne completed the first eight years of her education in the rural schools of Iowa Township, Crawford County, Iowa. On December 20, 1939, LaVonne was confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Manning. Because her parents wanted a teacher in the family, they made arrangements for LaVonne to live in Manilla with her aunt and uncle Lena and Bill Grage where she completed high school and normal training by age sixteen. From there she attended Western Union College (Westmar), in LeMars and a year later was awarded her teaching certificate. LaVonne taught in Ewolt Township and in the elementary grades of the Arcadia Public School for seven years until she was needed at home to help care for her ailing father. Later, she taught in Hayes Township, Crawford County, Iowa. On December 30, 1948, LaVonne was united in marriage with Louie Jurgen Gehlsen. Two daughters were born to this union and LaVonne became a fulltime homemaker. She always enjoyed the achievements of her daughters. The family lived and farmed near Westside. When they retired in 1997 they moved into Manning to be near their family and church home. LaVonne was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Manning and Arcadia. She served as president of the Aspinwall, Manning and Arcadia Lutheran Ladies Aid Societies. In her spare time she enjoyed reading, studying the Bible, attending neighborhood clubs, quilting, gardening, playing cards and watching basketball on television. In addition, LaVonne and Louie danced for ten wonderful years with the Lakewood Polka Dots', traveling to New Ulm, MN, for Polka Days and attending their annual reunions. They enjoyed many wonderful trips including some abroad, but most delightful of all were the trips to visit her children and grandchildren. After the death of her beloved husband Louie on May 26, 2007, LaVonne remained in their home until recently. She passed away Friday evening, April 5, 2013 at the Manning Plaza Nursing Home in Manning. She was 91 years, 9 months, and 21 days of age. Preceding LaVonne in death were her parents; husband Louie Gehlsen; six brothers: Elmer Genzen, in infancy; beloved Arthur Genzen at age 16; Lester (Irene) Genzen; Virgil (Florence) Genzen; Ivan (Irene) Genzen and Robert Genzen; and two sisters Odessa (Delbert) Vinke and Lucille (Kenneth) Pfannkuch. She is survived by two daughters Lanice "Lani" Lou Gehlesen (Rev. Timothy Schoepf) of Waverly, and Lou Ann Faith (Richard) Strehle of Omaha, NE; five grandchildren: Loni (Jamie) Meier; Laurie (Adam) Shriver; Lisa (Daniel) Beltjens; Ethan (Amanda) Deas and Benjamin Deas; four step-grandchildren Amy (Matthew) Schoepf Becker; Tim (Sophie) Schoepf Jr.; Kevin (Tracey) Strehle and Beth Ann (Tom) Murray; five great-grandchildren: Jackson Meier; Asher Louie Beltjens; Ciaran, Aileigh and Finnegan Deas; and four step-great-grandchildren: Max, Ben, Will and KatieAnn Strehle. Also surviving are in-laws Donna Genzen; Reynold (Roseann) Gehlsen, Blondina Stoffers, Judith Joens and Sandra Hansen; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Pastor Jonathan Conner, Officiating Music "Jesus Loves Me" "Jesus Christ is Risen Today" "Amazing Grace" "I Know My Redeemer Lives" "How Great Thou Art" Rev. Timothy Schoeph, Vocalist Carlys Stribe, Organist Casket Bearers Troy Gehlsen Bret Gehlsen Loni Meier Ethan Deas Ben Deas Laurie Shriver Janet Smith Honorary Casket Bearers Shawn Gehlsen Lisa Beltjens