LaVonne Rohrbach, 85, of Roscoe, SD, surrounded by her children, peacefully passed away on Thursday, March 13, 2025 at the Bowdle Nursing Home
LaVonne, daughter of Elsie (Hagele) and Raymond Nelson, was born June 11, 1939 at the farm 17 miles SW of Roscoe. This is where LaVonne was brought up while attending Bowdle Public School. LaVonne graduated with the BHS Class of 1957. She furthered her education at the Aberdeen School of Commerce. LaVonne and Melvin Rohrbach were married June 1, 1959 in Aberdeen, SD where two of their three sons were born. LaVonne was employed at Tiffany Laundry in Aberdeen. In 1964, the family settled on LaVonne’s home farm where she lived the rest of her life. LaVonne was a very hard worker with milking cows for 33 years, tending stock cattle and raising chickens. LaVonne had 3 sons and said her daughters just came later and boy did she spoil those daughters! She was a faithful caller to the Sunday Morning Kessling Gospel music hour, never forgetting the special occasions of family and friends. LaVonne always made angel food cakes for everyone’s birthday and special chocolate Valentine cakes with peanut butter frosting for each family. Winters were always celebrated with specialty homemade vanilla, strawberry, cherry chip and chocolate pineapple ice creams. Some of LaVonne’s favorite things were when the Avon Lady would stop by, dancing with Melvin, listening to polkas and waltzes, gardening, making delicious German food, watching Vikings football and being with friends. She loved sharing farming lifestyle with all the grandkids and enjoyed their many visits. Later in life she enjoyed visiting the casino with Melvin and friends.
LaVonne is survived by two sons—Rick (Carmen) Rohrbach of Roscoe and Jami (Karen) Rohrbach of Aberdeen; nine grandchildren: Dan, Andrew, Brandon, Jeremy, Sammie Jo, Dyllan, Nathan, Sarah, and Bryce. 18 great-grandchildren with two on the way; daughter-in-law, Karen Rohrbach of Bowdle; Sisters-in-law-Roxann Nelson, Delores Nelson, Gladys Rohrbach, June Rohrbach, and Delana Schumacher; Brothers-in-law, Leo Buechler and Arnie Schumacher; and two lifelong friends—Stella Buechler and Sharon Miller.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin, on April 23, 2023; her father, Raymond, on April 24, 1992; her mother, Elsie on October 29, 1999; one son, Mark; two brothers: Ken and Lyle; and two sisters: Nerva Kraft and Julie Buechler.
LaVonne’s Church service will be livestreamed at the Lien Family Funeral Care Facebook page.
Memorial services are scheduled for 10:30 AM, Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Bowdle, led by Pastor Janet Sandmeier. Organist will be Dani Hoffman and the congregation will sing “Precious Lord, take my Hand” and “Just as I am, without One Plea”. Wes Schaible and Joyce Heyne will sing “Go Rest High on that Mountain” and What a Day that Will Be”. Ushers will be Charles Belcher and Jesse Strouckel.
Urn bearers will be LaVonne’s sons—Rick and Jami. Honorary bearers will be LaVonne’s grandchildren and great grandchildren.
A prayer service is scheduled for 7:00 PM Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at Lien Funeral Home, Bowdle.
Services are in care of Lien Funeral Home, Bowdle.