LaVonne Marie Thisius, age 88, of Wells, MN, died July 13, 2026, at Parkview Care Center, surrounded by her children. A private Funeral Mass will be held at a later date at St. Casimir’s Catholic Church in Wells. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shepherd’s Inn Activities, Parkview Care Center Activities, and UHD Hospice.
Born March 13, 1938, in Lura Township, Minnesota, to John “Jack” and Pauline (Stenzel) Herman, LaVonne grew up on the Herman family farm. She graduated from Wells High School in 1955. She took a one year business course at Mankato State College and worked at Wells Federal Savings & Loan until marriage.
LaVonne was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, Harold, on February 5, 1957. Together, they made their home on the Thisius family farm.
LaVonne loved flowers, gardening, crafts, and trying new recipes, but her favorite times were spent with Harold raising their children, and working on the farm, whether in the barn or in the field; or sitting on a blanket watching us all fishing for bullheads. They were inseparable.
Left to cherish LaVonne’s memory are her children: Deb (Randy) Tolzmann of Wells, MN; David (Tammie) Thisius of St. Charles, MN; Denise (Jeff) Besser of Savage, MN; DeAnne (Doug) Walters of Bloomington, MN; Anita Thisius of Clarks Grove, MN; and Donna (Brian) Meyerink of Algona, IA.
She is also survived by 15 grandchildren: Sarah (Marc) Hamann, Jake (Sarah) Tolzmann, Jenny Andring, Scott (LeAnn) Thisius, Kim (Mitch) Wolf, Nick (Kathy) Besser, Chad (Kelly) Besser, Megan (Kyle) Krecklow, Matt (Rachel) Walters, Angie Walters, Steph Thisius, Stacie (Andy) Rolands, Steven (Sophie) Thisius, Briana (Kevin) Fischer, and Dayne Meyerink.
LaVonne’s great-grandchildren include Emma Hamann; Hayden, Leigha, and Jaylee Tolzmann; Jayden Barnick; Carter and Taylin Andring; Christopher, Allie, and Lucas Thisius; Kaylee, Kyle, and Kassidy Wolf; Jack, Harold, and Nora Besser; Cole and Kade Besser; Bailey, Carter, and Cameron Krecklow; Kaylin and Isabella Walters; Henry and Sadie Sanders; and Rhett Thisius — all because two people fell in love.
She is further survived by her siblings, John Herman and Jeanette (Jim) Wilder, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Harold; son, Dennis; her sister-in-law, Jeanette, and Jeanette’s husband, Dale Johnson; her sister-in-law, Helen Herman; and many friends and family members.
LaVonne’s family is grateful to the staff of Parkview Care Center, where she lived for the past two years, as well as Shepherd’s Inn and UHD Hospice.
DeAnne Deb and the rest of the family so sorry for your loss of your mom Lavonne was a beautiful woman and she will be missed by all of the Parkview Care Center workers and the retired staff at Parkview Care Center Prayers and my Sympathy to you all 💕
Deb, my deepest sympathies to you and all your family.
Our sincere sympathies to all of You on the passing of your dear Mom. May you find comfort in knowing she is reunited with your Dad and Willard. Hold tight to all your cherished memories ♥️🙏🤗
Deepest sympathies to all of LaVonnes family. Thoughts and prayers are with you all for strength to get through this difficult time. You’ve had a lot lately. 🙏🏻❤️
Deepest sympathies to all of LaVonnes family. May God give you strength to get through this difficult time.
Definitely sending heartfelt sympathy! Your mom and dad were both awesome people! Together again.
To the whole Thisius family. Enjoy the memories. And I’m sure way too many to talk about in one sitting. So you’ll have years of fond memories.
Here’s wishing you peace at this time. Your mom and dad were sweet people. I always looked for your dad to come to the farmers mkt to buy maple syrup.
To all the families of Lavonne my sincere sympathy to all. Her memory will be cherished in your hearts forever. When Don was in the home with her they were valentine king and queen together which was such a special event. Blessings to all
May dear sweet Lavonne rest in peace . She will be so happy she can be with Harold. She was so adorable, so glad she touched our lives.
Just saw this! The whole Thisius family is in my thoughts and prayers!