LaVonna Mae “LaVon” Strathman, age 97, of Brodhead, WI, died peacefully on May 12, 2026. LaVon was born September 12, 1928, in St. Benedict, Kansas, the daughter of Frank and Lena (Bergman) Melcher. She grew up in St. Benedict, Kansas and graduated from St. Benedict High School in 1946.
LaVon met her husband, Edward Strathman, at a dance in St. Benedict. They were united in marriage on January 26, 1950, in St. Mary’s Church, St. Benedict, Kansas. Ed and LaVon moved to Rockton, Illinois in 1956 to farm. In addition to being a farmer’s wife, LaVon worked as a beautician and as a childcare provider for her grandchildren and many children in the neighborhood. Ed and LaVon raised five children on the family farm. LaVon enjoyed spending her time listening to baseball and football. LaVon also taught Sunday School for many years and was a member of Living Word Church.
LaVon is survived by four children, Ed (Pam) Strathman of Downing, MO, Tom (Lisa) Strathman of Brodhead, WI, Angie (Rusty) Kiser of Hayward, WI, and Bill (Chrissy) Strathman of Sycamore, IL as well as grandchildren, Josh Strathman, Ellen Kiser, Sarah (Keegan) Myrvold, Gretchen Strathman, Riley Strathman, and Rhett Strathman, and great grandchildren Hendrix Edward and Vernon Scout Strathman & Sutton Thomas and Renlee Pam Myrvold along with many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings; husband, Ed, on March 21, 2001; and son, Steven.
The family wishes to thank Mercy Hospice, nurse Becky, and the staff at Collinwood in Albany, WI for their amazing care given to LaVon.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 30 at Faith Community Church at 212 W. Mc Kimmy Street, Davis IL 61019 at 10:30 a.m. The family invites friends and relatives to join them for lunch after the service to visit, reminisce and share stories of LaVon.