LaVonne Mae Simonson, 84, of Owatonna, died Wednesday, March 11, 2015, at Koda Living Community.

She was born June 23, 1930, on the family farm in rural Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, the daughter of Alvin and Hilda (Hintz) Eaker. She grew up on the farm with her siblings Elsmer, Audrey and Vivian. She attended St. John’s Parochial school and graduated from Blooming Prairie High School in 1948.

She was united in marriage to Jacob Simonson on Dec. 15, 1949, at St. John’s Lutheran Church near Claremont, Minnesota. The couple made their home in Blooming Prairie until 1979, when they moved to Owatonna. She worked at the Bixby store after high school. Later she worked at Prairie Manor Nursing Home and Federated Insurance. They were blessed with seven children. LaVonne loved babysitting her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They gathered frequently at the family cabin at French Lake where they played in the water, played cards and games, and fished. LaVonne greatly enjoyed quilting, reading, fishing, gardening, baking, and taking walks. She was an avid sports fan and enjoyed the Minnesota Timberwolves, Twins, Vikings, Lynx, and Gophers. She loved our Lord Jesus.

LaVonne is survived by her husband of 65 years, Jacob. She is also survived by her children: Gene (Mary) Simonson of Rochester, Minnesota, LaVerne (Barb) Simonson of Eagan, Minnesota, Ronald Simonson of Lakeville, Minnesota, Douglas (Connie) Simonson of Rochester, Minnesota, Larry (Becky) Simonson of Owatonna, Minnesota, Gail (Joel) Drube of Blaine, Minnesota, and Brian (Margaret) Simonson of Rochester, Minnesota. They are very proud of their 13 grandchildren: Jeremy, Jackie, Paul, Amanda, Jenny, Tyler, Jill, April, Cori, Jamie, Patrick, Dominic, and Christopher. They have nine wonderful great-grandchildren: Ella, Seth, Ali, Owen, Kaia, Sophie, Chloe, Spencer, and Amelia. She is also survived by her siblings, whom she was very close to: Elsmer (Gladys) Eaker, Audrey (Bob) Bohlman, and Vivian (Mike) Quast, all of Owatonna; plus many nieces, nephews, cousins, and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant brother; and infant sister.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 2500 7th Ave NE Owatonna, on Friday, March 13, 2015, with Pastors Mark Rosenau and Greg Schlicker officiating. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until time of the service at the church. Interment will follow the service at St. John’s Cemetery in Owatonna. Michaelson Funeral Home is handling arrangements.