Lavonne Engelbrecht , 95, of Le Mars, Iowa passed away Sunday, July 18, 2021 at the Good Samaritan Society in Le Mars.

Services will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, July 26, 2021, at Rexwinkel Funeral Home, Le Mars, IA.  Visitation with the family present will be from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. and the funeral home.  Interment will be at Le Mars Memorial Cemetery.  A light supper will be served at Rexwinkel's Reception Room following the interment.  Arrangements are with the Rexwinkel Funeral Home in Le Mars.  Expressions of sympathy can be extended to the family through www.rexwinkelfh.com .

Lavonne Darlene (Jacobs} Engelbrecht was born August 29, 1925, in rural Le Mars, IA, the daughter of Minnie and Fred Jacobs.  She was baptized, confirmed, and married at St. John's Lutheran Church, rural Akron, IA.  She graduated from Central High School in Le Mars, IA, in 1942.  After graduation, Lavonne worked at the Le Mars Co-Op in the secretarial/book-keeping department.  It was at work that she met Melvin Engelbrecht.  Lavonne and Mel were married at St. John's Lutheran Church rural Akron on February 21, 1946.  It was a beautiful wedding followed by a reception at the Jacob's home and a honeymoon in Minneapolis and Duluth, Minnesota.

On February 23, 1947, a son, James Allen was born…followed by three more children…Jean Anne…Mary Olea…and Mark Melvin.  It was a fun and busy home, welcoming friends and relatives to join the family for dinners that were filled with good food, lively conversation and much laughter.  Lavonne would often quiet everyone down by reminding the family that this might be too much for Mel… "remember he was an only child…he just can't handle all the laughter."  The warning never worked and usually raised the level of fun.  Family life was always a priority for Lavonne.  One of Lavonne's favorite activities was the annual family vacation together at Okoboji's Vacation Village and later at Dickerson's Lake Florida Resort in Minnesota.  It was a highlight for the whole family.  Over the years, Lavonne traveled across the country visiting her children and often caring for her grandchildren.  Family was the center of her life.  Lavonne was a caregiver for her children and grandchildren and especially for her mother and husband during long periods of health issues in both of their lives.

Lavonne instilled faith in her children…prayers were a must at meals and bedtime.  During the catechism years, lessons and memory work needed to be completed and recited before social activities were allowed.  Church attendance was a requirement followed by a family dinner with grandparents.  Lavonne was active in the Women of the ELC, Vacation Bible School, Sunday School, "Do-Day," Bible Study, and, after retirement, an afternoon of quilting at Church became her "new job."

Lavonne was a working mother…30 years at Well's Dairy in the book-keeping department.  The Well's Gals became extended family to Lavonne with many of her co-workers calling her "Mom" and forming life-long friendships.  Lavonne was so honored to be on the employee recognition plaque at the Well's Visitor Center and Ice Cream Parlor for her thirty faithful years.

Lavonne is survived by her sister, Inez Borchers of Akron, IA. Her children: Dr. Jim Engelbrecht (Marilynn) of Rapid City, SD, the Rev. Dr. Jean Ziettlow (Richard) of Le Mars, IA, Mary Klemme (Rod) of Menomonee Falls, WI, and Mark Engelbrecht (Annie) of Brooklyn, NY; a granddaughter, Amy Ziettlow (Michael Karunas) and children Thomas, Isabella and Luke of Decatur, IL; a grandson, John Engelbrecht (Kalmia) and children Josh and Adam of Iowa City, IA; a granddaughter, Dr. Jennifer Kruger (Kevin) and children Amy Grace and Kaitlyn of Rapid City, SD; a grandson, Craig Ziettlow (Lindsay) and children Chris and Carter of Tulsa, OK; a grandson Scott (Megan) and child Ella Ray of Carlsbad, CA; a granddaughter Katy Bechler (Shane) and child Ada of Menlo Park, CA; a granddaughter Stephanie Engelbrecht and children Caleb and Matthew of Rapid City, SD; and granddaughter Maryanne Gradowitz (Sean) of Brooklyn, NY.

Lavonne was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Minnie Jacobs, her husband, Mel Engelbrecht, her sister, Shirley Morgenthaler, brothers-in-law, Dave Morgenthaler and Myron Borchers, and a nephew, Steve Morgenthaler.