Lavonne M. Lee-Bean

Lavonne Mae Lee Bean, age 87, of North Branch, Minnesota, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and staff on December 19, 2025, at Ecumen in North Branch.
Lavonne was born on November 29, 1938, in Dexter, Minnesota, to Roy and Elsie (Goetsch) Studer. She grew up in southern Minnesota alongside her older brother, Delmas Studer (Darlene), and graduated from Austin High School.
Following high school, Lavonne married David Schmeling Sr., and together they welcomed six children. While raising her family, Lavonne continued her education, attending business and supervision courses at Lakewood Junior College.
Lavonne dedicated much of her professional life to public service. She worked for 29 years in County Human Services Departments across various Minnesota counties. During the final 17 years prior to her retirement, she served as a supervisor overseeing income maintenance, child support collections, and welfare fraud programs. After her retirement from county service, Lavonne continued working as a teller at the Anoka-Hennepin Credit Union, where she remained for 12½ years before retiring fully.
Lavonne was deeply committed to volunteering and community involvement. She served as a Sunday School and Confirmation teacher at Trinity Lutheran Church in North Branch, volunteered at the Anoka/Blaine County food shelf, and was an active member of North Suburban Women's Club, where she served as treasurer. She also held leadership roles within her homeowner's association in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, serving as both treasurer and president.
In her free time, Lavonne enjoyed traveling, playing cards, and attending social gatherings, always valuing time spent with family and friends.
Lavonne is survived by her five children: David Schmeling Jr. (Gigi), Pamala Zentner (Lester), Michael Schmeling (Lori), Scott Schmeling (Michelle), and Dana Summer (John); three stepchildren from her marriage to the late Ray Bean; 14 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother, Elsie Goetsch; stepmother, Alma Goetsch; father, Roy Studer; brother, Delmas Studer; husbands, Melvin Lee and Ray Bean; and her infant son, Timothy.
Lavonne will be remembered for her dedication to her family, her strong work ethic, her service to others, and her generous spirit.
The family would like to thank the Ecumen staff and Ecumen Hospice staff for their compassion and expertise in caring for Lavonne.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Senior Socials or Viking Vittles at Trinity Lutheran Church. Checks may be made payable to Trinity Lutheran Church and mailed to PO Box 447, North Branch, MN, with "Senior Socials" or "Viking Vittles" noted in the memo line. Donations to Viking Vittles may also be made online through Trinity Lutheran Church's Donation Portal.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at Trinity Lutheran Church in North Branch with a visitation held one hour prior to the service at church. Interment will follow the service at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in North Branch.