In loving memory of LaVonne Marcene (Sletten) Rentschler, who passed away peacefully in Viborg, South Dakota, on the 5th of May, 2024, aged 85 years.
A public visitation will be held at the Minnehaha Funeral Chapel located at 205 East 4th Street, Colton, SD, on Friday, May 10th, from 5-7 pm, with a time for reflection at 7 pm.
A private funeral for immediate family will be held on Saturday, May 11th.
LaVonne was born to Kermit and Florence Sletten on the 1st of December, 1938, in the town of Harrisburg, South Dakota. LaVonne was educated at Hartford High School and graduated in 1956. She furthered her studies at Dakota Wesleyan University in 1958 and received an Associate degree in Education. She took on the honorable path of an educator, impacting the lives of young minds in Montrose Elementary and Christ the King Elementary in Sioux Falls. She married Curtis Ardell Rentschler in Hartford, South Dakota on August 15th, 1959. Together they raised three beautiful children in their home. LaVonne continued her education and drove from Colton to Madison daily as she earned her Bachelor degree in Education at Dakota State College in 1977. Her remarkable work ethic also led her to roles as an office manager at the Highway Department, a designer of lasting tributes at Green Monument in Sioux Falls, and an art teacher sharing her passion in Houston, Texas. She was happiest being creative. You could find her making candles, designing floral arrangements, drawing free hand, painting, sewing, and decorating cakes. LaVonne found solace and pleasure in the pages of books. She was an avid reader but no book held more meaning to her than the Bible. LaVonne’s faith in God was the most important thing to her. Through her joys and sorrows, her relationship with Christ never waivered.
Left to treasure LaVonne’s memory are her beloved children: Jeffrey, Chad (Loretta), and Shelli (Jason); her siblings Roger (Jan), Darwin (Jane), Tom (Mary Kay), Brian, and Fain (Ron); her grandchildren: Kayla (Caleb), Mara, Riley, Brandon, Eric (Morgan), Alicia (Jordan), Jordan (Eva), Dan (Ann), and Makinley. LaVonne’s spirit will also live on with her fourteen great-grandchildren, who filled her life with laughter and joy.
LaVonne was preceded in death by her husband Curtis Rentschler, her parents, Kermit and Florence Sletten, and her in-laws, Charles and Ruby Rentschler.
The Rentschler and Sletten families wish to express their sincere gratitude to all of those who touched LaVonne’s life. We ask that you remember her as we do. She was a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend who always made sure to remind each one of us, Jesus Loves You.