Lavonna Young
1955-2023
How lucky are we to have gotten 68 years with the most amazing wife, mom, Grandma Onna, sister, aunt, and friend. Lavonna lived an incredible life full of love, laughter, and family. Her talents were endless. Beautiful gardens that could be displayed on magazine covers, horses and donkeys running around living their best life, and more love and laughter than you could ever imagine filling the walls of Pa Steve and Grandma Onna’s house.
After growing up on the farm house with her mom Essie Faye (Tess), her dad George, her brothers David, Wayne and Stuart and her sisters Juanita and Faye, Lavonna went to McConnell Airline School. She initially wanted to be a flight attendant however, meeting the love of her life Steve changed the course and she became the most wonderful travel agent.
Being a farm girl ran in Lavonna’s blood and she and Steve ran Lavonna’s family farm for seven years. Hard working is an understatement as Lavonna and Steve ran the farm and brought five daughters into the world, all while she worked as a travel agent. She worked at travel agencies in Merrill and Wausau until 1997 when she decided to open her own travel agency and Lavonna’s Travel was born.
Sending people on their dream vacations was Lavonna’s calling and everyone knew when you called Lavonna you would not be disappointed. She not only made sure you were taken care of in your travels but you were guaranteed to have a new friend who genuinely cared about you and your loved ones even after your travels were over. People all over recognized Lavonna just by her voice. “Lavonna?! You booked my vacation!” was often what we would hear when we went places.
Not only did she send others on their dream vacations, she also loved to travel and traveled all over with Steve enjoying all inclusive vacations with long walks on the beach, the sun, and all of the delicious food you can eat.
When they weren’t traveling by plane you could find Lavonna riding around with Steve in their “little red car” visiting her girls and taking the scenic route.
Being at home with Steve and family was Lavonna’s favorite. Lavonna was not one to sit down and believed that “taking a walk in the fresh air” was a cure all. She was always outside in her gardens, with the ponies and donkeys, taking wheeler rides around the woods with Steve, snowshoeing, and just enjoying each other’s company.
Family was and will continue to be everything to Lavonna even in heaven. She may not be with us physically but she will always be with us and surround us with her love. We will continue to keep her alive in our stories, pictures, and the love we have for each other.
She will be forever loved and missed by her husband of 48 years Steve; her daughters, Tara, Natalie, Angela, and Vanessa; her sons-in-law, Paul, Mark, Jake, and Steve; and all of her grandchildren, Aidan, Christian, Jase, Emmett, Lavonna, Owen, and Tess.
Per Lavonna’s wishes no services will be held. The family held a private celebration of life.
“I will watch over you every day. I love you so much.” We love you so much too Grandma Onna. We love you so much too.
Paid Obituary 146056
