LaVonne Helmers • 1934 - 2011

LaVonne Helmers, 76, Mandan, ND, formerly of Kenmare, ND, died Thursday, January 20, 2011, at the Mandan Living Center.

LaVonne Joanne Wambach was born March 10, 1934, a daughter of Nicholas and Pearl (Heifner) Wambach, in Ada, Minnesota.  She attended school in Ada and graduated from there in 1952. She then continued her education in Ellendale, completing her teacher education degree. She then taught in country schools.

On June 10, 1956, LaVonne married Allen L. Helmers at Trinity Lutheran Church in Tolley, ND. In 1959, they made their home in Kenmare, where they became members of Nazareth Lutheran Church. LaVonne worked various jobs. She and Allen owned and operated Westland Oil Company for many years. Later, they managed the Kenmare Veterans Club. Allen passed away November 11, 1982.

Following the death of her husband, LaVonne continued to reside in Kenmare and began employment with the Kenmare Hospital and remained employed there until her retirement. In April of 2009, she moved to Mandan for healthcare reasons.

She enjoyed reading, sewing, making puzzles, doing crafts, baking, her flower garden, and watching sports on television. She especially enjoyed watching WWF Wrestling, the Minnesota Vikings and the Minnesota Twins.

She also enjoyed spending time with her friends. She liked having them stop by to visit, or go out for coffee. She looked forward to their Saturday lunches and going to Bingo.

She especially loved being able to attend activities that her grandchildren were in. She attended their activities whenever she could and would watch the sports every evening she knew one of them had a game so she knew the outcome.

Her loving family includes:  children, Dr. James (Tami) Helmers, Mandan, Dr. John (Mary) Helmers, Mandan, Sharon (Jeff) Swenson, Bowbells, and Stephanie Dockter, New Town;
ten grandchildren, Kristen, Nicholas, Michael, Caitlin, Emily, and Anna Helmers, Shantelle (Jesse) Wilber, Dana Dockter, and Jessica and Joshua Swenson; three great-grandchildren, Jaylee, Gavin, and Remi Wilber; brothers, Keith (Mary) Wambach, Sierra Vista, AZ, and Loren (Kathi) Wambach, Bonnylake, WA; and numerous nieces and nephews.

LaVonne was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Allen; and son-in-law, Kortney Dockter.

Funeral: Tuesday, January 25, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. at Nazareth Lutheran Church, Kenmare.

Interment:  Lakeview Cemetery, Kenmare, ND.

Visitation:  Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Kenmare. 

Officiant: Pastor John Syvertson

Music:
Prelude – Special CD Music Selections
Wayne Jacobson and Peggy Anderson, Duet to offer
 “Amazing Grace” & “Softly and Tenderly”
Peggy Anderson, Vocalist to offer “On Eagle’s Wings”
Linda Freeman, Organist

Honorary Bearers: LaVonne’s family and friends

Active Bearers: Kip Helmers, Curtis Helmers, Dan Helmers, Joe Lawson, Tom Lawson                Don Lawson, Gerry Helmers, Cory Egeberg

Immediately following the funeral service, please join the family for a time of fellowship and lunch in the lower level of the church.  The graveside service will take place in the spring of 2011.

Our family would like to thank all of you for your many acts of kindness. Your thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated during this difficult time. May God bless the memory of LaVonne.

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