Lavonne was born Aug. 10, 1931, in Rutland Township, daughter of Ervin and Vera (Prafke) Milbrandt. After graduating from Fairmont High School in 1949, she continued her education and graduated from Mankato State Teachers College. Vonnie began her lifelong teaching career shortly after. On June 27, 1953, Vonnie was united in marriage to Robert Barke and they made their home on the farm in Rutland Township. After taking a break to raise her 4 children, in 1968 Vonnie resumed her full-time teaching career at Welcome Elementary School. She retired in 1994 but continued her love for teaching by being a substitute teacher in the Fairmont School District. Family and teaching brought the greatest joy to her life. Always the teacher, her grandchildren knew they would get reminded to practice their writing and work on flash cards. There was also, always, a story or question for them to ponder. Helping at her church was something Vonnie enjoyed whenever she could. In their later years, you would always see Vonnie helping Bob navigate his way around town with a smile on her face. Surviving Vonnie are her four children, Brad and wife Carol, Ann and husband, Dan Roebbeke, Jack, Jim and wife, Judy; eight grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren. Also surviving Vonnie are her sister, Marcie Theobald; half-sister, Toni Sommers; sister-in-law, Eunice Barke; and many extended family members. Preceding Vonnie in death were her husband of 68 years, Robert; her parents; sister, Beverly Steuber; brothers-in-law, Wilb Steuber, Paul Theobald and Richard Barke; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Art and Clarice Lintelman, Mary Jane and Glen Krueger. The family requests memorial be left in Vonnie’s name to St. John’s United Church of Christ in Fairmont.

www.lakeviewfuneralhome.net

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