Carlson LaVonne

LaVonne Adeline was born on April 24, 1923, on the family farm in Kensington. She graduated as Valedictorian of Kensington High School Class of 1941. She furthered her education receiving her Teaching Certificate. She then began her teaching career at Oscar Lake School in September 1943. LaVonne married the love of her life Helmer Carlson in Topeka, Kansas on March 24, 1944. She returned to her Oscar Lake teaching career and Helmer went to Italy to fly B-24 Bombers. LaVonne joined Helmer in Biloxi, Mississippi when he returned from overseas and while living in Biloxi their son, Darwin was born. The small family moved back to Minnesota where Debra was born and they made their home in Farwell until 1991. During this time Mrs. Carlson continued her teaching career where she taught at Trysil School, Holmes City School, and at Garfield School. LaVonne taught for over 30 years and loved her career as an educator. Mrs. Carlson died on Wednesday, August 27, 2008, at the Bethany Home. She is survived by her daughter, Debra Carlson & husband, Rick Wittwer of Clear Lake, MN; grandsons: David Carlson-Wittwer & wife, Beth, Joseph Carlson; great granddaughter, Isabella Ann Wittwer; sisters: Arlone Stawikoski, Fern Kispert. She was preceded in death by her husband, Helmer; son, Darwin; parents: Oscar & Dora; sister, Lorayne Johnson. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 2, 2008, from 5-7 p.m. in the Family Room at First Lutheran Church 822 Douglas St. in Alexandria. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, September 3, 2008, 11:00 a.m. at the First Lutheran Church in Alexandria. Burial will be at Solem Lutheran Cemetery in Kensington.