Lavonne Caroline Schumm

On Thursday, August 11, 2022, LaVonne Schumm, loving mother, grandmother, and proud Dane, passed away at 80 years old.

LaVonne was born September 23, 1941, in Askov, Minnesota to Albert and Minnie Thomsen. She was the ninth child out of eleven, the youngest girl, and the self-proclaimed favorite of her mother. Being the 9th out of 11 children explains a lot about LaVonne's spirited personality and perseverance in all things she would put her mind to. She finished high school, went on to college, graduated, and began her first career in teaching.

While working as an English teacher, she met, fell in love, and went on to marry, Robert Schumm on March 18, 1967, in her hometown. They had two sons, Paul and Frank Schumm. After teaching, LaVonne began working for Nesheim Electric which became Electric Service and Construction, then to Rickard Electric until her retirement. After a brief retirement, she returned to work part-time in childcare at the YWCA, impacting the lives of many children along the way.

LaVonne came to be known by a few nicknames during her life. She was "Vonnie" to her family, "Boots" to friends and suitors and "Granny" to her boys and grandkids. She was a silent feminist who took on the role of primary "Bread Winner" while her husband was semi-retired and raising the two boys. She loved sports, playing catch with the grandkids, cards (especially the game Muggins), and watching the Twins, Vikings, or her beloved Gophers. She had a passion for creating things, sometimes out of necessity, others for the simple joy. One of LaVonne's coined phrases was "Only boring people get bored" which lends itself to her love of creating things. She was always welcoming to friends and neighbors. Despite the loss of her parents, siblings, and husband, she approached life with the most positive attitude. She kept track of all the birthdays, making sure to send a card and share her love. During the last week of her life, following a stroke, she continued to exhibit her spunky attitude and sense of humor. Those who knew her were lucky to love and be loved by one of the most selfless, supportive, spunky, and all-around amazing woman.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; parents, Albert and Minnie; brothers, Tom, Dwain, Howard, Darrell, and Bob; sisters, Anita, "Sparky," and Nola.

She is survived by her two sons, Paul Schumm of Fargo, ND and Frank (Rhonda) Schumm of Walcott, ND; sisters, Jan, Mona of Askov, MN, and little brother Arlin; along with grandkids; James, Katie, Jeremia, Erika, Lara, Brittany, Paige, and Sam, and a growing list of great grandkids.

The family will have a private memorial service at a later date.