Lavonne Kruger

LaVonne A. Kruger, 87, of Waukon, IA, passed away at her home surrounded by family and friends on Friday, September 27, 2019. Funeral services will be held Monday, September 30th, at 11:00 AM at Old West Paint Creek Lutheran Church in rural Waukon with Pastor Ken Kimball officiating. Burial will be at the church cemetery. Friends may call from 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM Sunday at Martin Funeral Home in Waukon.

LaVonne Adeline (Anderson) Kruger was born July 29, 1932, on the family farm in Waterville, IA, the daughter of Alfred Oscar and Helen Geneva (Smedsrud) Anderson. She was baptized and confirmed at the West Paint Creek Synod Lutheran Church in rural Waukon and graduated from Waterville High School in 1950. After high school, LaVonne began working at the Allamakee County Courthouse in the Treasurer's office, which started her path to becoming a career woman. After two years, she did clerical work with the USDA-ASCS office; her position later became the Allamakee County Director and after 30 years, LaVonne retired.

One day at her career start at the courthouse, LaVonne was taking a lunch break outside, walking across the street, when a young man saw her. He was mesmerized by her beautiful smile and blue eyes and began talking to her; this led to their first date. He courted her for almost two years, learning to try, and finally love, lutefisk and lefse. On May 11, 1952, she married Curtis Dale Kruger at the West Paint Creek Synod Church. Curt was the love of LaVonne's life, her soulmate, and partner in all things. They were married for 64 ½ years, residing in Waukon, and raised two daughters, Kathy and Barb, with unconditional love and devotion. They were role models and examples of a loving marriage and lives well lived. On October 31, 2016, Curt passed away.

LaVonne was a member of Old West Paint Creek Lutheran Church and belonged to numerous clubs. She enjoyed reading and playing bridge and canasta. LaVonne loved antiquing and "shopped till she dropped". LaVonne liked watching her favorite soap operas as well as Fox News. She loved to dance to big band music and she and Curt won a couple of dance contests while wintering in California and Arizona. For 25 years, LaVonne helped co-host the Kruger Tours trips to Branson, MO; she even helped pick out this year's shows and agenda. She enjoyed most sports and was an avid follower of her daughters' and grandchildren's high school and college activities.

LaVonne leaves behind her daughters Kathy (Patrick) McMillan and Barbara (David) Hanson and two grandchildren Morgan and Mason McMillan, whom she adored; "Nana is my name and spoiling is my game". Also surviving are her brother Gladwin (Darlene) Anderson, a niece, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Curt; and an infant brother.

She was a beautiful, decent, kind, and loving lady who lived her life with perseverance, grace, and dignity. She will be missed by all who knew her. Blessed be her memory.

Honorary casketbearers are LaVonne's card, social, and traveling friends, and Nana's Homecare Angels. Casketbearers are John Alan and J.J. Anderson, Vicki Post, Scott and Lon Anderson, Jim and Kim Thies, Karen Caballero Mathis, and Carol Caballero Lilly.