LaVonne Emma Smidt

LaVonne Emma Smidt, age 92, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 1, 2025, surrounded by her family.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 on Friday, December 5, 2025, at the Kanawha Christian Reformed Church, 129 East Third St., Kanawha, with Herb Schreur officiating.

Visitation will be on Thursday, December 4, 2025, from 4:00 – 6:00 at Ewing Funeral Home, 118 East Second St., Kanawha and one hour prior to services at the church on Friday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Kanawha Christian Reformed Church, 129 E 3rd Street, Kanawha, IA 50447.

LaVonne, was born February 27, 1933, to Walter and Lillian (Kehl) Holck. She attended Country School and then went to Kanawha High School, graduating with the class of 1950.

After high school LaVonne worked in the Sweet Shop for 2 ½ years where she met Gene Smidt. They were married November 22, 1951, at her parent's home. Gene left for the service November 27, 1951. While he was gone, she lived with her parents. Upon his return on November 25, 1953, they started to farm on her father's farm where they raised their four children. LaVonne worked beside Gene on the farm. After Gene's death in 1975, she stayed on the farm helping her sons farm. She retired from farming and worked at the Café in Kanawha and the kitchen of West Hancock School for ten years.

LaVonne enjoyed cooking, baking, having coffee guests, and going to town for coffee. She was active in the Kanawha Christian Reformed Church serving as President of the Ladies Aid for many years and attending Bible Study. Her church was very special to her.

She enjoyed spending time with her family, grandchildren and great grands they were very dear to her heart.

LaVonne is survived by her four children: Paul (Lisa) Smidt, Bruce (Sandy) Smidt, Sherrie (Karl) Johnson, Dennis (Darla) Smidt; grandchildren: Doug (Terie) Smidt, Jody (Matthew) Clemens, Renee (Keith) Nelson, Jacob Smidt, Andrew Smidt, Micah (Jenny) Smidt, Meghan (Rob) Leibfried, Nicole (Tanner) Riedesel, Rachel (Jeremy) Schulz, Morgan Johnson, Brandon Hill, Adam Hill, Nathan (Samantha) Wilder; 19 great-grandchildren; sister Dee (Don) Verbrugge, along with numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Gene, and sister and brother-in-law Ruth (Lawrence) McFadden.

Special thank you to St. Croix Hospice and The Summit House for their care in her final days.