Obituary for LaVonne Joy Garbers

She was born at home in Barre Mills on February 17, 1932, to John and Violet (McClintock) Stelloh. On June 19, 1948, Joy married Frederick “Fritz” Garbers at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Barre Mills. When their children were young, she worked in her home reupholstering furniture, gardening, canning, quilting, crocheting, and knitting. Joy then went to work at Lakeview Health Center in West Salem, working first in housekeeping then in the dietary department.

She enjoyed camping, fishing, and traveling with friends and relatives. LaVonne and Fritz were members of a card club and looked forward to their get togethers where they would grill steaks and play cards.

She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandma, great-grandma, and great-great-grandma who will be forever treasured and greatly missed by her family.

Survivors include her children Thomas (Bonnie) Garbers, Patricia Gums, Diane (Roy) Koltermann, Michael Garbers (Karon Risty), and Carmen Mickels; 12 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; sister, Carol Bringe; sister-in-law, Ginger Stelloh; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

LaVonne was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Fritz; two sons-in-law, James Gums and Vern Mickels; one brother, Donald Stelloh; and one brother-in-law, Russ Bringe.

A Christian Funeral Service will be held at 12 noon, Friday, August 16, 2024, at Christ Ev. Lutheran Church, 500 Park St., West Salem. Rev. Don Frelitz will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m., until the time of service, Friday, at the church.

Online condolences may be offered at this site.