LaVonne Helkenn, 89 of Clark, passed away on July 3, 2026, at the Prairie Lakes Hospital in Watertown. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Clark at 10:30 a.m. The service will be livestreamed on the Furness Funeral Home Facebook page, as well as uploaded to LaVonne's obituary page on the funeral home website later in the afternoon of services. A time of fellowship and a meal will immediately follow the service in the church fellowship hall. Burial will take place at Rose Hill Cemetery in Clark following the meal. Visitation will be held the evening prior, Friday, July 10, 2026, at Furness Funeral Home from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. A prayer service will take place that evening, beginning at 6:30 p.m., ending in a time of sharing memories celebrating LaVonne's life. There will also be visitation prior to the service on Saturday, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Furness Funeral Home is assisting the Helkenn family with arrangements.
Although floral gifts are appreciated, the Helkenn family requests that memorial donations instead be made to the family for further donation to St. Paul Lutheran Church.
Born on Valentine's Day, February 14, 1937, in Lac qui Parle County, Minnesota, LaVonne made the world a warmer, more welcoming place through the love and kindness she extended to all who knew her.
The precious daughter of Melvin and Leona (Weber) Anderson, both now passed, LaVonne was shaped by a large and loving family. She shared her childhood and youth with an abundance of siblings—including her sisters Lois, Doris, Janice, Donna and Linda, and her brothers Marvin, Leslie, Robert, Donald, David and John. The closeness and memories they created in those early years remained a treasured presence throughout LaVonne's life.
LaVonne's heart found its home with Dale Helkenn, her beloved husband, who survives her and with whom she built a life marked by dedication, warmth and partnership. Beginning at Logan High School, their journey together was blessed by the joy of raising Nancy and Mark—her devoted daughter and son, who carry forward her legacy.
LaVonne was hardworking throughout her life, beginning in the Twin Cities with her first job in banking and insurance, later moving to Sioux Falls, and eventually back to Clark where she worked at the local bank. Following the family's move to the farm, LaVonne juggled being a devoted wife, mother, food stamp cashier and helping hand on the family's dairy farm. When Nancy and Mark began to forge lives of their own, and the the dairy operation came to a close, LaVonne began working for the Clark County School District where she worked as a school cook until her retirement. LaVonne loved interacting with the school children each day.
A devoted member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, LaVonne helped with the funeral committee, acted as treasurer, was part of the women's group and loved participating in the church's famous lutefisk dinner each year. LaVonne loved to bake, cook, garden and sew.
LaVonne's life was filled with moments both simple and significant. She cherished her family, but also created a circle of extended relatives and friends. Her kindness and humility shone in everyday interactions with LaVonne, where she extended help to those in need.
LaVonne is survived by her husband, Dale Helkenn; her children Nancy and Mark Helkenn; her sisters Donna Runge and Linda (Ron) Butler; brother John (Jackie) Anderson; sisters-in-law Becky, Carolyn, Joyce and Betty Helkenn; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents Melvin and Leona Anderson; her siblings Lois, Doris, Marvin, Leslie, Donald and David; and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
