December 18, 1924 – December 25, 2025
LaVonne Tomena VanDeWalle, was born 101 years ago on the family farm outside of Wallingford, Iowa to Bert and Tena (Nelson) Twito, on December 18, 1924. She passed away at Good Samaritan Society in Estherville, Iowa on December 25, 2025.
A memorial service will be held for LaVonne will be held in June of 2026
LaVonne graduated from Estherville High School in 1943. On September 28, 1946, she was united in marriage to Francis VanDeWalle. LaVonne worked in Emmet County her entire life, at many public places, including the Wallingford Telephone Company, Wallingford Creamery, Swanson’s Grocery, Emmet County Engineer’s Office, and retiring from the Emmet County Auditor’s Office in 1975. Francis passed away in 1996 and LaVonne continued to live in their home until moving into the Good Samaritan Society in 2016.
LaVonne is a member of Estherville Lutheran Church. In her younger years she was an active member of the Great Lakes Road Riders. LaVonne enjoyed volunteering in her community with the VFW Auxiliary and Meals on Wheels. She enjoyed staying active well into her later years at the RWC, participating with the Rusty Hinges Group and walking. She also enjoyed sewing, cooking and traveling with her family.
LaVonne is survived by her children Dennis (Ann) VanDeWalle of Wallingford, Patty (Allen) Olson of Burleson, Texas, and Kathy (Sam) Shonkwiler of Ames, Iowa; ten grandchildren Roger VanDeWalle, Rich VanDeWalle, Stacie Stoliker, Jennifer Brown, Amy Back, Tena Bliss, Kira Shonkwiler, Chad Shonkwiler, Travis Shonkwiler, and Seth Shonkwiler; eight great-grandchildren Spencer Jensen, Paige Stoliker, Jacob VanDeWalle, McKenna VanDeWalle, Max Brown, Diego Velez, Brooking Back, and Toru Martin; and 1 great-great grandchild Vivian Jensen.
LaVonne is preceded in death by her parents Bert and Tena Twito; husband Francis VanDeWalle; son Jerry VanDeWalle; and her brother Merlin (Marlene) Twito.
henryolsonfuneral.com