LaVonne Helen Auen

LaVonne Helen (Schenzel) Auen, 71, of Sioux City, IA passed away on Sunday, January 9, 2011 at a Sioux City hospital, following a courageous battle with COPD, while in the loving care of Hospice of Siouxland.Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, January 12, 2011 at the Mohr Funeral Home in South Sioux City, NE with Pastor Carol Jean Stapleton of St. Paul United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery in Sioux City, IA. Visitation with the family present will begin one hour prior to the service. Online condolences may be sent at www.mohrfuneralhome.com.LaVonne was born February 9, 1939 in Sioux City, IA, the daughter of Louis and Helen (Ball) Schenzel. She was united in marriage to Royden B. Auen on January 15, 1958 in Sioux City, IA and was proud to have celebrated their 50th anniversary.She enjoyed spending time with her family while camping, boating and fishing over the years at Lost Island Lake and Brown's Lake. Some of her favorite pastimes included knitting, visiting over a pot of coffee, and just sitting and watching traffic. LaVonne's pride and joy were her children and grandchildren, whom she enjoyed cooking meals for and playing games with.Survivors include one son, Royden E. Auen and his wife, Cindy of Deweese, NE; one daughter, Tresa and her husband, Dale (Art) Vermilyea of Luton, IA; four grandchildren, Amanda (Ramon) Vermilyea, Doug (Amber) Vermilyea, Sheena Graves and Brody Auen; seven great-grandchildren, Derrick, Austin and Madison Vermilyea, Savannah Garcia, Sheaunna, Darien and Shailene Graves; one brother, Edwin Schenzel of Sioux City; and a special niece and her husband, Bonnie and James Fields, who lovingly cared for her in their home. Billy and Davina McKinley and their family and Jeannie Furrer and family were also a special part of LaVonne's life.She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Royden; one brother, Duane; and one sister, Marlys.