Lavanelle Aanenson

LAVANELLE AANENSON was born to Nels Chris and Nellie (Featherstone) Nelson on March 19, 1928 in Luverne, Minnesota. She was raised in the Kenneth, Hardwick, and Magnolia area. At the age of 12, Lavanelle met Howard Aanenson through their mutual interest of dancing at the local hall, not knowing they would later be united in marriage on March 1, 1948, in Luverne. The couple began farming on various farms near Kenneth, Hardwick, and Pipestone, Minnesota. Lavanelle also worked in administration at the Pipestone High School until the family moved in to town in 1967. She transitioned to the vocational school where she continued to work until her retirement in the spring of 1987. She was proud of her 20 years at the school. She always said how rewarding it was to see the students grow and continue their education. The couple lived in Sioux Falls, South Dakota before returning to Pipestone. Lavanelle and Howard enjoyed retirement by traveling the country while visiting old and new friends. They also attended craft shows and festivals during their travels where they made a hobby of selling their pictures and making friends everywhere they went. Howard preceded Lavanelle in death on October 17, 2011. Lavanelle continued to live at the Ridgeview Estates in Pipestone until 2012. She then moved to Sioux Falls residing at the Prince of Peace Senior Care Center. On Saturday, March 24, 2018, she entered the Dougherty Hospice House and passed away on Sunday, March 25, 2018 at the age of 90 years and 6 days.

Lavanelle was a member of First Lutheran Church in Pipestone. She and Howard owned a home on Lake Shetek where they spent the summer months. The family loved boat rides, spending time with their friends, and simply enjoying each other’s company. Throughout their lives, they continued to enjoy the activity that brought them together by dancing every week in Hatfield, Minnesota. She was a wonderful cook and an avid card, bridge, and pinochle player. Lavanelle loved to invite friends and family over for a good meal and a game of cards. She was a kind and giving person who was deeply devoted to her friends and family.

She is lovingly remembered by her three children, Larry (Penni) Aanenson of Fulda, Minnesota, Sheila (Vince) Tappe of Blaine, Minnesota, and Dennis (Lizette) Aanenson of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; grandchildren, Jennifer (Brian) Callahan, Kasey (Justin) Aanenson-Baker, Jay Tappe, Nicholas (Brittany) Tappe, Ashlee (Mark) Stickney, Megan (Nolan) Wiese, Jourdan (Tommy) Torok, Emily Aanenson, and Denton Aanenson; great-grandchildren, Caden Callahan, Chase Callahan, Landon Dahlen, Avery Tappe, Hunter Stickney, Cooper Wiese, London Wiese, Halli Wiese, Carson Torok, and Madeline Torok; and special niece, Judy Nelson. She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard; parents, Nels Chris and Nellie; and siblings, Dorothy Whalen, Orville Nelson, Donald Nelson, Gladys Thompson, and Wanda Carlson. Memorials are preferred to the Dougherty Hospice House.