Lavonne Schmeichel

Lavonne Schmeichel, 72, of Salem passed away on June 16, 2020 at Ava’s House in Sioux Falls. According to Lavonne’s wishes, a celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Lavonne Kerkhove was born on October 9, 1947 to Ernest and Hazel (Sandstrom) Kerkhove in Sioux Falls, SD. She attended country school until 8th grade, graduated from Salem High School and eventually earned her degree in Respiratory Therapy from Dakota State University. Lavonne married Gerald Schmeichel on August 6, 1977 at Center Lutheran Church near Salem. She worked as a Respiratory Therapist at the VA and Sanford for many years.
Lavonne loved horses, gardening, woodworking, scrapbooking, many other crafting hobbies and especially enjoyed family trips to Disney World. She was an active member of the SD Society for Respiratory Care and also founded the Salem 4-H horse group, the McCook Rangers.
Lavonne is survived by: her husband, Gerald of Salem; sons, Greg (Connie) of Sioux Falls, Jeff (Heather) of Salem and Nick (Joni) of Brookings; grandchildren, Codie (Rachel), McKenzie, Hunter, Quinn and Hendrix; great-grandchildren, Carter and Emilyn; siblings, Duane, Dave, Ron, Allen, Janice, Linda, Karen and Beverly; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.
She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Ed and Rich. In lieu of flowers, Lavonne wanted gifts directed to: Feeding South Dakota, 4701 N Westport Ave, Sioux Falls SD, 57107.