LaVaughn “Vonnie” Marilyn Helleland, 94, died Friday, November 22, 2024, at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Home in Rushford, Minn. Vonnie was born on November 14, 1930 in Rushford, Fillmore County, Minn., to Gorman and Ethel (Lee) Highum. She lived her entire life in the Rushford area. She married Wallace (Wally) Helleland on September 2, 1947. She and Wally farmed together for many years. She was an active member of the Rushford Lutheran Church and in her church women’s groups. She was an active member of the Red Hat Ladies Club and Town and Country Women’s Federated Club. Vonnie had many jobs over the years including managing the successful Mill Street Inn with her expertise in cooking, managing staff and with her inviting and fun personality. Vonnie enjoyed many crafts including crocheting baby sweaters and blankets that were sent through church for those in need and afghans for her kids and grandkids. She loved spending time with family and her close group of female friends. After their retirement, Vonnie and Wally enjoyed spending winter months in Arizona with family.
She is survived by five children: Vicky (Mike) Christiason, of Cedar Falls, Iowa, Leon (Bev) Helleland of Rushford, Diane (Don) McCaul of Phoenix, Ariz., Patricia (Roy) Feine of Blaine, Minn, and LuAnn (Brian) Bussler of Chandler, Ariz.; 14 grandchildren: Kyle, Kirsten, Michelle, Brian, Brad, Marnie, Cody, Jen, Tim, Jeff, Hannah, Emily, Sidney and Trey; 27 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren, three sisters: Donna (Roger) Trester of Rushford, Gayle (Harvey) Taipale of Lake Elmo, Minn., and Kay (Robert) Negrete of Apple Valley, Minn.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two daughters, Susan Pass and Judy Julsrud; two great-granddaughters, Madeline and Jamie; and one sister, Doris Holger.
Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at Rushford Lutheran Church. The visitation will be 12-2 p.m. at the church. She will be laid to rest at Rushford Lutheran Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to Rushford Lutheran Church and Good Shepherd Lutheran Home.
Hoff Funeral & Cremation Service – Rushford is assisting the family with arrangements. www.hofffuneral.com.