LaVonne Seaverson
LaVonne Seaverson, 76, passed away on Thursday, February 1, 2024 at Sanford Medical Center, Fargo, ND, with her husband by her side.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at First Lutheran Church in Middle River, MN, with Pastor Ollie Urdahl officiating. Burial will follow at First Lutheran Cemetery in Middle River. Visitation will take place from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, with a 6:30 PM Prayer Service on Friday, February 9, 2024 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN. Visitation will also take place one hour prior to the funeral service on Saturday at the church.
LaVonne Adelle Engstrom was born on September 4, 1947 in Warren, MN, the daughter of William Kenneth and Evelyn Lois (Morberg) Engstrom. She graduated from Warren High School, the class of 1966. Following high school, LaVonne worked at the Warren Hospital as a tray girl.
From 1968 until 1981, LaVonne was employed by Arctic Cat in Thief River Falls, MN. It was there that she met Bruce Seaverson. On December 27, 1969 the couple married at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Warren. They first made their home in the Thief River Falls area and in 1979 they built their home in rural Middle River. They were blessed with two children, Jodi and Darren.
When asked what made her famous, LaVonne’s family replied, “The Viking Café and Store.” Those were the days! LaVonne owned and operated LaVonne’s Grocery and Café in Viking from May of 1981 until March of 1997. LaVonne, while being on the receiving end of many pranks and jokes at the store, loved every minute of it. She made it the hub of Viking with her personality and wit. LaVonne always had a smile for everyone and a laugh to share.
In 1998 LaVonne went to work at Digi-key in Thief River Falls, where she worked until she retired in 2014. She started working in the mail department and later in returns. LaVonne made many lasting friendships there.
Once retired, LaVonne enjoyed quilting, serving, and the fellowship at First Lutheran Church.
LaVonne enjoyed time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, also with friends and family. Going to concerts, camping, traveling, dancing, baking, cooking, and enjoying life – that was LaVonne. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
LaVonne is survived by her husband of 54 years, Bruce of Middle River, MN; daughter, Jodi (Ed) Gulden of Warren, MN; grandchildren, Ashley Seaverson of Thief River Falls, MN, and Mike Seaverson of Middle River, MN; great-grandchildren, Annabella Seaverson of Thief River Falls, MN, Oliver Seaverson of Thief River Falls, MN, and Graycen Seaverson of Middle River, MN; sister-in-law, Bonnie Toulouse; brother-in-law, Warren Seaverson; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her son, Darren; her great-grandson, Nolan; her parents, William and Evelyn; brother, Gary; sister, Maureen; and her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Burnie and Alice Seaverson.
