LaVonne Edith (Carlson) Stromquist Martin was born on October 7, 1932, to David and Myrtle (Rhodman) Carlson in McGregor, Minnesota. She passed away peacefully on January 5, 2024, surrounded and comforted by her loved ones.
LaVonne attended school in McGregor, Minnesota, Craig, Bertha School District and high school in Lyons, Nebraska. She was united in marriage to Donald Stromquist on July 23,1950. To this union, two children were born, Vickie (Stromquist) Greenwell and Gary Stromquist. Donald passed away on May 25, 1955. On April 10, 1959, LaVonne was united in marriage to Robert (Bob) Anton Martin in Ord, Nebraska. To this union, two children were born, Teresa (Martin) Meints and Michelle (Martin) Bader. They lived most of their lives on a farm east of Oakland. They worked side by side to complete many farm tasks including planting, harvesting crops, and livestock chores. She also held various jobs in Oakland including: Len’s Clothing, Hilltop Cafe, Groene’s Corner Cafe and Oakland Heights Nursing Home.
LaVonne was a member of First United Methodist Church in Oakland, where she served on the board, was a part of United Methodist Women, and taught Sunday school for many years. She was a member of VFW Auxiliary, American Legion Auxiliary, and Oakland Hospital Auxiliary. She was also active in several local clubs, including Mount Olive Club, Busy 66 Club and extension club. Bob & LaVonne had many lifelong friends and enjoyed being part of a boisterous group that played cards together for over 50 years. Being surrounded by family and friends is what brought the most joy to her life. She was immensely proud of her family, and leaves behind nothing but beautiful memories.
LaVonne was preceded in death by spouses Robert Martin and Donald Stromquist; parents: David and Myrtle Carlson; fathers-in-law and mothers-in-law: Melvin and Ethel Stromquist, Anton and Ellen Martin; sister: Bonnie Lehl and husband Ray Lehl of Henderson, NV; brother: Arthur Carlson of Scribner, NE; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Bob and Yvonne Stromquist of Oakland, NE, Anne (Martin) and Earl Johnson of Oakland, Helen (Martin) and Cutter Palmer of Wilmington, DE, Ruth (Martin) and Leonard Eastman of Denver, CO, Dorothy (Martin) and Norman Bruegmann of Lincoln, NE; son in law: Rick Meints of Cortland, NE; Vickie’s long-time companion: Denny Johnson of Omaha, NE; niece: Margaret Ford; and nephews: Randy Silver and Jon Bruegmann.
Survivors include her three daughters and son: Vickie Greenwell of Lincoln, NE, Gary (Jolene) Stromquist of Oakland, NE, Teresa Meints of Lincoln, NE, and Michelle (Jerry) Bader of Arvada, CO; brother-in law and sisters-in-law: Beulah Carlson of Scribner, NE and Kenny and Sandy Stromquist of Oakland, NE; 11 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
LaVonne never wanted to be the center of attention, so per her request, there will be a private memorial service at a later date.
MEMORIALS: To the family for future designation.
