LaVonne J. Stumpf

LaVonne Jerome Stumpf, 84 years old, was born in Kittson County, Minnesota September 20, 1931, the daughter of Mary Wilebski Jerome and Lawrence Jerome, with six siblings. She was called to eternal life at 7:59 pm on Sunday, July 3, 2016 at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee, WI. She graduated from St. Catherine's College of Nursing in St. Paul, MN in 1952. She was married August 30, 1958 to Walter Nicholas Stumpf of Nashua, MN. They met at the Newman Club at the University of Minnesota, where LaVonne was a nurse and Walter, an engineering student. Their son was born in Minneapolis and four daughters followed, all born in Milwaukee.

LaVonne was the proud mother of five children: Patrick Stumpf (Stephanie Vite), Milwaukee; Catherine O'Connor, Dallas, TX; Joan Mahon (Lawrence), Long Island, NY; Mary Pesch (Thomas), Portland, OR; and Elizabeth Pesch (Andrew) Milwaukee. Beloved grandmother to Michaela Mahon, Josephine Pesch, Adam Pesch, Nicholas Pesch, Jack Pesch, Isaiah Pesch and Lizzie Pesch.

Her husband Walter, all of her children and grandchildren and four of her siblings survive her: Phyllis Sjostrand, Jim Jerome, Mary Joy Montury and Lon Jerome. Her parents, and her brothers Lawrence and Frank Jerome preceded her in death.

Her love of dancing brought her to her husband of 58 years where they shared their passion for ballroom dance, square dance and watching many performances of the Syrena Polish Folk Dance Ensemble. LaVonne's faith life was central to everything she did. As an active parishioner of St. Dominic Church in Brookfield, she served as a Eucharistic Minister, Lector and avid participant of the Bible Study; plus a volunteer Eucharistic Minister at Froedtert Hospital.

LaVonne & Walter lived and raised their children in the Great Lakes States. With three children graduates of the University of Illinois, Lavonne was a huge fan of the Fighting Illini, which was eclipsed only by her love of the Green Bay Packers. LaVonne & Walter raised their young family in Wisconsin during the era of Vince Lombardi and Bart Starr and thus became Packer fans for life. Just prior to retirement back in Milwaukee, Walt & LaVonne lived in the Czech Republic for three years, which she treasured as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Walter and the family appreciate all the love and support from relatives and friends as they remember LaVonne. They are also grateful for the expert care she received at Froedtert Hospital. Services will be held at St. Dominic Catholic Parish at 18255 West Capitol Drive, Brookfield. Visitation begins at 10:00 AM and a Funeral Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 12:00 Noon.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to NAMI (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill) in memory of LaVonne Stumpf.