Hoffman, LaVonne Loving (1926-2015)

HOFFMAN, LOVING, CARLSON, VAN DRUNEN, BERSBACH

Posted By: Paul Nagy (email)
Date: 6/25/2015 at 18:47:45

LaVonne Loving Hoffman
January 8, 1926 - May 27, 2015

LaVonne (Loving) Hoffman, age 89, of Storm Lake, Iowa, died on May 27, 2015, at the Methodist Manor Retirement Community in Storm Lake.

LaVonne Charlotte Loving, a daughter of Joseph and Helen (Carlson) Loving, was born on January 8, 1926, in Albert City, Iowa. She grew up on the family farm west of Albert City and graduated from Albert City High School in 1943. Then, she continued her education at Drake University for her freshman year. In 1944, however, LaVonne moved to Chicago, Illinois, to attend school at the Chicago Music Conservatory College. There, she earned her Bachelor of Music Degree in Piano in 1950.

On December 23, 1950, LaVonne married Charles Keith Hoffman in Chicago, Illinois. Subsequently, they were blessed with three children: Diane, Douglas, and Theodore. In 1970, LaVonne relocated to Iowa following a divorce.

Upon arriving in Albert City, LaVonne enrolled in classes at Buena Vista College. In 1973, she graduated Magna Cum Laude, having earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music.

A dedicated elementary music teacher for the Storm Lake Public Schools for many years, she retired from teaching in 1989, but then, she took an adjunct instructor position at Buena Vista University until 2006.

LaVonne had a lifelong passion for music. An accomplished pianist, piano teacher, soloist, and voice coach, she, also, performed at many funerals, school functions, and other events in the community. From 1970 to 1973, she served as a choir director at the Albert City Covenant Church. In addition, she enjoyed traveling overseas with the Buena Vista Choir. An avid reader and student of history, she enjoyed traveling to Sweden, Russia, and England, aa well as to other countries.

A dedicated mother and grandmother, LaVonne enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren most of all. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. She was currently a member of the St. John's Lutheran Church in Storm Lake.

Those left to cherish her memory include her children: Diane (Paul) Van Drunen, of Tyler, Minnesota, Doug (Gretchen) Hoffman, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Ted Hoffman, of Storm Lake, Iowa; her grandchildren: Hudson and Nathan Van Drunen, of Tyler, Minnesota, and Derek and Paige Hoffman, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; her brother, Byron (Barbara) Loving, of Storm Lake, Iowa; her sister, Adelaide Bersbach, of College Park, Maryland; and her sister-in-law, Paulette Loving, of Albert City, Iowa; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

LaVonne was preceded in death by her parents; an infant brother, Ronald; her brother, Lael Loving; and her brother-in-law, James Bersbach.

Funeral services will be held Monday, June 1, 2015, at 1:00 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Storm Lake. A private burial will follow in the Fairfield Township Cemetery in Albert City. Visitation will take place Sunday, May 31, 2015, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Sliefert Funeral Home in Storm Lake. The Sliefert Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements.

Copyright © 2015, Sliefert Funeral Homes

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