LaVonne J. Blankers

LaVonne J. Blankers

Archer, Iowa

            Services for LaVonne J. Blankers, age 84, of Archer who passed away on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at her home.  Her funeral service will be 10:30 A.M. on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at Archer Reformed Church in Archer with Rev. Milt Sikkema ~ officiating.

            Burial will be at Gilman Township Cemetery in Ashton.

            Visitation with family present will be from 5 – 7 P.M. on Monday, May 29, 2023, at Archer Reformed Church.

            Arrangements are under the care of the Vander Ploeg Funeral Home in Sheldon.

              LaVonne Jean Blankers, the daughter of Thomas Jr. and Lolla (Dobbs) Sterler was born on June 26, 1938, in rural Ashton, Iowa.  She began her education at country school in Gilman Township and graduated from Ashton High School in 1955.  She went on to further her education at Northwestern Junior College earning a teaching certificate.  She taught elementary school in Orange City from 1957 to 1959 and one year in Archer from 1959-1960.  LaVonne was united in marriage to George Edward Blankers on June 15, 1959, at the Ashton Presbyterian Church.  After their marriage George and LaVonne started their family, and she raised their family and helped George on the farm.  After the children got older, she substitute taught for 20 years in the Sheldon Community School District.  George preceded her in death on November 3, 2020.  LaVonne remained on the farm after his passing.  LaVonne passed away on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at her home reaching the age of 84 years, 10 months, and 28 days. 

            LaVonne was a member of the Archer Reformed Church where she taught Sunday school.  She was part of the Merry Go Round Club and TOPS, Archer quilt group, and book club.  She served on the Inspiration Hills Auxiliary Board and Relay for Life and was a 4-H fair judge.  She enjoyed watching baseball and was an avid Yankee fan.  She took pleasure in winning the KIWA sports trivia questions monthly.  She also enjoyed gardening, sewing, cooking, feeding and watching the birds.  She especially enjoyed watching her grandchildren at their events.

            Left to cherish her memory are her children, Joel Todd (Lisa) Blankers of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Susan Beth Blankers of Orange City, Iowa, Debra Ann (Tony) Haning of Sheldon, Iowa, Timothy Dean (Beth) Blankers of Milford, Iowa; four grandchildren, Vance Blankers, Zach (Joy) Haning, Roy Blankers, and Walt Blankers; brothers-in-law, Robert Blankers and Don (Jane) Blankers; also, cousins, and nieces and nephews.

            LaVonne was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Lolla Sterler, and parents-in-law, Laurens and Mattie Blankers, twin siblings in infancy, Thomas and Macha Sterler and brothers and sisters-in-law, Arthur and Betty Blankers and Betty (Robert) Blankers.