Obituary of Lavone Lofgren

Lavone Lofgren age 84 passed away peacefully at the Good Samaritan Nursing home in Corsica, South Dakota, Saturday morning, December 7, 2019. Memorial service will be Tuesday, December 10 at 10:00 am at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Armour. There will be a prayer service Monday, December 9 at 7:00 pm at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Armour. Arrangements by Koehn Bros. Funeral Home in Armour.

Lavone was born on January 6, 1935, to Frank and Clara Traxinger Senftner in McLaughlin, South Dakota. Her father passed away when she was young and the family moved to several small farms around McLaughlin.

Lavone graduated from McLaughlin High School in 1953. She worked at Slater’s store before going to nurse’s training in Pierre, South Dakota. Following graduation she worked at the McLaughlin Hospital. She married Merle Lofgren in February 1961 and they made their home in McLaughlin where Merle owned and operated the McLaughlin Messenger and Corson County News. It was there they raised their five children, Marian, Paul, Marsha, Clark, and Jackson.

Lavone was active in the McLaughlin community. She taught Sunday school for many years and served on the volunteer ambulance for 23 years. Lavone volunteered for many school activities and was always willing to help whenever needed. She checked blood pressure at the McLaughlin Senior Center, was the chair of the alumni committee, and served on the McLaughlin Hospital Board.

Lavone was an avid card player and bowler. She enjoyed gardening and always had a large garden. Most importantly, Lavone was dedicated to her family. Her mother lived next door until her passing. She was a wonderful mother and would do anything for her children. She was also a loving grandmother to her eight grandchildren.

Merle passed away in 2008 and in 2012 Lavone moved to Armour, South Dakota, to be near her daughter Marian. She kept everyone on their toes with her quick wit and sense of humor.

Lavone is survived by her children, Marian (Todd) Biederstedt, Paul Lofgren, Marsha Casetellanos, Clark (Melba) Lofgren, Jackson (Alicia) Lofgren and grandchildren, Evan Biederstedt, Kaci Husted, Jackie Castellanos, Madison Castellanos, Julian Lofgren, Madiana Lofgren, Harrison Lofgren, and William Lofgren, her special God Daughter, Paula Pecenka, one brother, Clarence (Jean) Senftner, and one sister, Lorraine (Charles) Candrian. She is preceded in death by her husband, parents, two sisters, Leatita Burke and Mary Lee Eisenbraun, and one niece, Julie Senftner.