LaVonne Goodell

LaVonne Myrtis Goodell was born on April 12, 1928 in Tripp, South Dakota to John and Emily (Lang) Reiser. She grew up and attended school in Tripp, SD graduating in 1946. LaVonne continued her education in Sioux City, IA where she met her future husband, Oran Goodell. The couple were united in marriage on March 14, 1948. They traveled throughout the Midwest while Oran worked as a welder before settling in Alexandria, MN. LaVonne started working at Fingerhut until she began working for State Farm Insurance for several years. In 1966 Oran began teaching, which moved the family to Detroit Lakes. LaVonne transitioned into social work and worked at Becker County Human Services for 24 years before retiring in 1990. During their retirement, LaVonne and Oran traveled all over the U.S. and to international destinations. The couple also enjoyed wintering at their home in Port Charlotte, FL and spending the summers at the cabin on Lake Miltona. Oran passed away in 2018. LaVonne continued living in Alexandria until her time of passing.

LaVonne died on Tuesday, August 17, 2021 at Alomere Health in Alexandria, MN at the age of 93. She is survived by her four sons: Jerald (Sandy), Craig, Rick, and Keith; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brother: Burton Reiser; and sister: Carol Albertus. LaVonne is preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her son: Jim; her sister: Elaine; and daughter-in-law: Bobbi.

A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, August 28, 2021, at United Methodist Church in Alexandria. Visitation will be held from 5-7 PM on Friday, August 27, 2021, at the Anderson Funeral Home and for one hour prior to the service at the church.  This service will be live-streamed and recorded for family and friends to view from LaVonne’s obituary page on the Anderson Funeral Home website at 1:00 PM on Saturday. Burial will be at Kinkead Cemetery.