Lavonne Harnish

Lavonne Arlene Harnish, age 72, of Janesville, died Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato.

 

Born May 5, 1954, in Waseca, Minnesota, LaVonne was the daughter of Leonard and Gladys (Maas) Roeker. She graduated from Waldorf-Pemberton High School with the Class of 1972. On August 16, 1980, LaVonne was united in marriage to Michael James Harnish at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Freedom Township, Waseca County. Following their marriage, the couple made their home in Elysian and shared many happy years together.

 

LaVonne dedicated more than 40 years of employment to E.F. Johnson Company. In addition, she enjoyed a successful career selling Mary Kay Cosmetics for many years. She was a faithful member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Elysian. In her free time, LaVonne enjoyed crafting, knitting, visiting with friends, and spending time with those she cared about. She will be remembered for her kind heart, and warm friendship. To all who knew her, LaVonne was simply a sweet lady whose presence brought comfort and joy.

 

LaVonne is survived by her loving husband, Michael "Mike" Harnish of Janesville; her sister, Judy Graper of Janesville; brother-in-law, Rich; sisters-in-law, Kathleen, Barbara, and Diane; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Gladys Roeker; a brother in infancy; and her brother-in-law, Oran Graper.

 

Funeral Service were held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at Park Road Plaza, (106 E. North Street, Janesville, Minnesota 56048). Interment followed in Janesville Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at Park Road Plaza on Tuesday.

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