LaVonne B. Gullickson

LaVonne B. Gullickson, 88, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2025, surrounded by loved ones and memories that spanned a lifetime. Born on March 6, 1937 to Harry and Lila Haglund, she graduated from Plum City High School and went on to attend the University of River Falls. It was there that fate brought her to the love of her life, Gene Gullickson, through a blind date. Married for 66 years, the two were inseparable - Gene was truly her everything.
LaVonne was a devoted wife and a loving mother to four children. Her life was shaped by the deep bond she shared with her three surviving children - Larry, Allen, and Jamie - who carry on her strength, love, and unwavering dedication. She also held in her heart the memory of her daughter Jodi, who passed away at just 10 years old. Though her time with Jodi was far too short, her love for her never faded.
Her children fondly remember growing up with the smell of fresh homemade bread every weekend and the special way their mom prepared everyone’s favorite dish at the holidays. She had a heart as warm as her kitchen and a kindness that touched everyone she met.
LaVonne was a proud farmer’s wife and one of the hardest-working women her family knew. She embodied generosity, resilience, and grace - quietly nurturing and fiercely loving. As the matriarch of her family, LaVonne was its center and compass - offering steady love, strong values, and a deep sense of belonging that guided generations.
LaVonne leaves behind a loving family, her sons Larry (Susanna), Allen (Pauline), and daughter Jamie (Joel); her grandchildren: Jodi (Austin), Michael, Phil (Ashley); her great-grandson, Casen; sister Bonnie, sisters-in-law Lois and Carol; brother-in-law Allen; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gene; her daughter Jodi; parents, Harry and Lila; in-laws, Lloyd and Esther; her sister Marilyn; brothers-in-law Casper, Dick, Bill, and Earl; and sister-in-law Eileen Pearson.
LaVonne spent her final days in the compassionate care of the Hammond Health Services and St. Croix Hospice. Her family is deeply grateful to both teams for their kindness and support.
A memorial service will be held on May 29, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, where LaVonne will be laid to rest beside her beloved Gene. A private celebration of life will follow.
To honor LaVonne’s memory, please consider performing an act of kindness for someone - make them smile, offer a helping hand, or simply share a warm word. That’s the spirit she lived by, and the legacy she leaves behind.