Lavonne Louise Lepsch

LaVonne Louise Lepsch, 86, of La Crosse, died on Monday, January 22, 2018 at the Bethany Riverside Care Center. She was born on January 12, 1932 in La Crosse to Harry and Julia (Bell) Nieber. She attended Central High School, and married James “Sparky” Lepsch on August 19, 1950 in St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church. LaVonne was a beautician and started her career at Norma’s Styling Salon and worked at various salons throughout the years. In the early 50’s LaVonne also made pizza at the first Pizzeria in La Crosse, the Lawndale Tavern, which was owned and operated by Jim’s dad, Vennie Lepsch. That original recipe is still enjoyed by family and friends.

LaVonne loved her gardening and enjoyed all the flowers in her yard. She was a very loving and giving woman. LaVonne crocheted hundreds of beautiful afghans which she gifted to many special people in her life.

LaVonne was also a great cook and especially like to bake, which was a good thing considering Jim has a very huge sweet tooth. They spent a good part of their lives on the river and summers at the cottage. Fishing was a favorite pastime for them. Her sweetness will be missed by her family and friends. LaVonne and Jim celebrated 67 years together last August. They were truly the definition of a “couple”, you rarely ever saw one without the other.

She is survived by her husband James, a son Richard Lepsch, a daughter Linda Johnson, grandsons Jamie and Kevin Johnson, and a sister Gwendolyn. She was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Jerry Johnson, and a very special “Brother”, Robert Bell and his wife Avis.