Frances LaVon (Bennett) Rapp was born on November 14, 1926, the daughter of Ivy (Olson) and Morton Lane Bennett in Onida, South Dakota. She was the third child and oldest daughter of six children. Her family moved to Brandon, Minnesota when she was 8 years old. LaVon graduated from Alexandria High School in 1944. She was proud being 1st chair clarinet in band.
LaVon moved to Alexandria in her Junior Year and was a nanny for a preacher’s family until she graduated. After that she was employed by Woolworths, a coffee shop, and Herbergers Department Store for eight years.
LaVon met the love of her life, Bob Rapp at a dance in Millerville. She was introduced by his sister, Violet. They were married, October 20, 1946 at Chippewa Lutheran Free Church in Brandon, MN. To this union three children were born: Jerry, Dennis and Jody.
In 1954, LaVon and Bob, partners Vi and Andy Hanak purchased Interlachen Inn where she waitressed for over 30 years. She then became partners with her daughter, Jody in another restaurant in Fergus Falls in 1986. I was called “JoVon’s Country Diner & Ice Cream Parlor” for 5 years. Retirement officially came in 1991. Afterwards, she continued to help out at her daughter and son-in-laws café in Henning, MN. She baked and helped in many, many ways.
She loved her family, friends and loved to entertain, cook and bake for them. She always baked their favorite goodie for their birthday. She was an excellent cook and baked the most prize winning pies, breads, and cookies. She and Bob enjoyed going on many trips and to the cabins up North.
LaVon looked forward to spending time with her friends whether it was playing bridge, the sewing club, or breakfast group. Her sewing group met for over 75 years. She also was an avid Alexandria Area High School sports fan. She never missed a sports broadcast on the radio and attended many of her grandchildren’s events. Along with being a Cardinal Sports fan she loved sports in general. Being such she stated she could coach football! She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church from the time she and Bob were married in 1946. Her involvement in the church over the years included quilting, handbells and Ladies Aid where she met many friends. LaVon touched many lives and she will be greatly missed. She now rests in the loving arms of God. God bless the memory of Frances LaVon Rapp.
LaVon died on Tuesday, November 16, 2021, she is survived by her two sons: Jerry (Jane) Rapp, Dennis Rapp both of Alexandria; daughter, Jody (Don) Johnson of Clitherall, MN; grandchildren: Lane Rapp, Kim (Dave) Stonecypher, Jamie (Ryan) Kirk, Ulli (Christian) Koch, Julie Johnson, Jesse Rapp (John Peterson), Ben Rapp, Jeff Johnson, Robbie (Michaela) Rapp, Maggie (Ben) Fiebelkorn, Jeremy Rapp; great grandchildren: Tatum, Ian, Riley, Peter, Gabriel, Rhett, William, Peyton, Caden, Johann, Max, Annalote; sisters: Mary Lee Marsch, Betty Vandergrift; brother, Bob (Betty) Bennett, sister-in-law, Linda Bennett; other family would include Sabina, Jurgen and Christian; many nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob; parents, daughter-in-law, Karen Rapp; brothers: Lorrell and Norris Bennett.
Funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 20, 2021, 11:00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church with visitation one hour prior. Private family burial was at Kinkead Cemetery.
