Lavonne E. Schmidt

LAVONNE ELSIE SCHMIDT was born the second of ten children to John and Myrtle (Uilk) Kortleever on October 26, 1928 on the family farm in Pipestone County, Minnesota. She was raised on the farm and attended Pipestone County schools. Following her education she remained living at home on the farm where she helped raise her siblings while working on the farm. On October 17, 1947 Lavonne was united in marriage to Merlyn Schmidt at Zion Lutheran Church in Hardwick, Minnesota. The couple lived on the Schmidt family farm where they raised their family. Along with being a homemaker, Lavonne cared for the dairy cows, hogs, and chickens. She also canned beef, pork, chicken, and many vegetables which came from her garden on the farm. In September of 1998 she and Merlyn retired and moved to Luverne. During her retirement she enjoyed caring for her flower garden. Merlyn preceded her in death in August of 2003. Lavonne continued to live in their home. On Thursday, July 14, 2011 Lavonne entered the Sanford Luverne Hospital, where on Thursday, July 21, 2011 she passed away at the age of 82 years, 8 months, and 25 days.

Lavonne was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Hardwick, Minnesota where she belonged to Circle. She was also a member of the Eagle’s Club in Luverne. Lavonne was a huge fan of the Minnesota Twins and the Minnesota Vikings and enjoyed spending time with her friends, especially for their Wednesday night outings. She also enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, but most of all she looked forward to the nightly phone calls from her son, Darrell, and his visits to Luverne.

Lavonne will be lovingly remembered by her son, Darrell Schmidt of International Falls, Minnesota; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, Christina McClain and her husband Gene and their children Rhett and Kiyra of Kenneth, Minnesota, Joseph Erwin and his wife Sheila and their children Elizabeth and Jordon of Rushmore, Minnesota, Brian Erwin of Luverne, and Michelle Erwin of Kenneth; two sisters, Delores Kindt of Kenneth, Carol Wyffels and her husband Ed of Luverne; two brothers, Vern Kortleever of Edgerton, Minnesota, and Harold Kortleever and his wife Gail of Edgerton; and many nieces, nephews, family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Merlyn; her daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Joseph Erwin; one sister, Barbara Lape; and four brothers, Wilbur, Merlin, Elmer, and Orlan Kortleever.