LaVonne L. Nelson

LaVonne Nelson, age 78, died peacefully at her home on April 8, 2021. She was in the company of her loving husband of 53 years, Jim.

LaVonne was born on November 16th, 1942 and raised on a farm near Dallas, Wisconsin. She received her teaching degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. LaVonne met her husband 55 years ago in Oshkosh, WI. They fell in love, got married and settled down in La Crosse to raise a family. She ultimately got back to teaching when her kids were old enough to be in school. She had a great passion for teaching and being around those kids.

LaVonne and Jim raised 5 children: Kristin Houfek (Mark), Scott Nelson (Jennifer), Brett Nelson (Betsy), Matthew Nelson (Jamie), & Kathleen Heili (Ryan). She was adored by 11 grandchildren: Jason, Nicholas, Marissa, Nevaeh, Emily, Isabelle, Sam, Teagan, Alaina, Jackson, & Jace. She is also survived by her sisters Cheryl Forehand & Sheila Kahl and brother Doug Cain.

LaVonne was preceded in death by her parents (Oscar, Jalma & Arlie) and her brother (Harry).

The family would like to thank all the people who have helped and supported her over the last 10 years. Especially, Bev, Denise and Sam for all the love and compassion you showed her.

LaVonne was one of the strongest people we knew. She was a loving wife, compassionate teacher, great friend, and most of all the best mother we could have asked for. She taught us so much. She picked us up when we needed it most. She let us fail when we needed to learn. She always supported us in everything we did. She taught us to be strong. She taught us life is not always fair, but you deal with it. She taught us the power of love, laughter, and hugs! She will be missed but never forgotten. We will love you always Mom! ~ Three squeezes

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, April 15, 2021 in St. James the Less Catholic Church, 1032 Caledonia St., La Crosse. Rev. James Altmann will officiate with burial to be held in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Family and friends may visit from 5 to 7:00 PM on Wednesday April 14, 2021, in Blaschke & Schneider Funeral Home, 1501 West Ave. South, and from 10:00 AM until the time of Mass at Church on Thursday.