LaVonne JoAnne Ode-Askelson, 92, of Lake Park, MN passed away on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Sunnyside Care Center, Lake Park, MN.

LaVonne was born February 8, 1934, to Eivind and Myrtle (Kohler) Ode in rural Audubon, MN. She was baptized March 4, 1934, at home and confirmed May 16, 1948, at Zion Lutheran Church in Detroit Lakes, MN.

LaVonne lived in rural Audubon and Lake Park graduating from Lake Park High School in 1953. As a student, she enjoyed playing softball and all sports. She had a great love for animals as well.

LaVonne married her high school sweetheart and love of her life, Donald Askelson, on September 20, 1953, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Audubon. They resided in Felton, MN for two years before moving to her family home in Lake Park in 1957 where they lived until building a new home in 2006 on the adjacent property.

LaVonne was a housewife, farm wife and mother of 8. She enjoyed helping her husband and soul mate with farm chores, especially hay season. She was supportive of her children’s activities and later activities of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. LaVonne was a member of Lake Park Lutheran Church, and taught Sunday School for a number of years. She and Don were also members of the Booster Club and were awarded Booster Club Fans of the Year. She was Cheerleading Advisor for many years at the LP school, and drove school bus and van for 43 years for Lake Park – Audubon school.

LaVonne enjoyed the Twins, Vikings and sports on T.V., mowing lawn, her loving family, holiday get togethers, and private times at home with her soul mate.

LaVonne is survived by her children, Cindy (Everett) Nelson, Deb Sander, Steve (Jackie) Askelson, Doug (Lauri) Askelson, Lisa (Doug) Anderson, Christy (Tom) Wiesmann, Julie Dalen, and Sherri (Troy) Capell; 17 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Don; parents, Eivind and Myrtle Ode; Don's parents, Henry and Olga Askelson; sister, Sharon (Don) Kvilvang; brother, Eldred "Bud" Ode; brothers and sisters-in-law, Harlan and Helen Askelson and Clair and Sharon Askelson; granddaughter, Gretchen Nelson; great-grandson, Brady Johnson; and sons-in-law, Paul Sander and Joe Dalen.

A memorial service with Livestream will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. with a visitation one hour before the service at Lake Park Lutheran Church, Lake Park, MN. A Livestream of the service can be viewed Here on the Lake Park Lutheran Facebook Page. 

Burial will be in Lake Park Lutheran Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Sunnyside Care Center or Lake Park Lutheran Church.