Service Information
Lavilla E. Schmalz, age 94, of Lester Prairie, Minnesota, passed away on Monday, May 25, 2020, at GlenFields Living with Care in Glencoe.
Private Family Graveside Service will be held at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church Cemetery in Lester Prairie, Minnesota.
Obituary
Lavilla Emma Ida (Schoenke) Schmalz was born at home on December 21, 1925, in Camden Township, Carver County, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Herbert and Mathilda (Pawelk) Schoenke. Lavilla was baptized on January 17, 1926, and was later confirmed in her faith on April 2, 1939, both officiated by Rev. Theo Rolf at St. Mark Lutheran Church in New Germany. Lavilla attended St. Mark Lutheran School through 8th grade and went on to Central High School in Norwood-Young America. She attended her last year of school at St. Louis Park High School and graduated in 1943. Prior to her marriage, she worked at Northwestern Bell Telephone Company in downtown Minneapolis.
On June 14, 1947, Lavilla was united in marriage to Reuben Schmalz by Rev. John W. Meyer at St. Mark Lutheran Church in New Germany. Lavilla and Reuben made their home on the family farm in Lester Prairie. Their marriage was blessed with six children, Jacalyn, Jerry, Nathan, Beverly, Mary Jo, and Lisa. They shared over 57 years of marriage until Reuben passed away on February 8, 2005. Lavilla continued to live on the family farm through 2018.
Lavilla was an active member of St. Peter Lutheran Church. As her ministry to the church, she graciously served as a long-time member of the Ladies Aid, serving as President, Vice President, and as a delegate at the conventions. Lavilla taught Sunday School. She served as Branch Secretary for the Aid Association for Lutherans for decades. Lavilla was also a member of the University of Minnesota Home Extension and served as Home Counselor of Winsted Township in 1967.
Lavilla did most of the landscaping at two homesites on the farm, which showed her great love for flowers and gardening. She also loved music, sewing, and providing many meals for her family, especially baking apple pies and rolls. Lavilla and Reuben enjoyed traveling in the states and took many trips abroad including various destinations throughout Europe, Australia, and the Caribbean. Lavilla had a unique sense of humor and treasured the time spent with family and friends.
Lavilla passed away on Monday, May 25, 2020, at GlenFields Living with Care in Glencoe, at the age of 94 years, 5 months and 4 days. Blessed be her memory.
Lavilla is survived by her children:
Jackie Engelhardt and husband, Bill, of Plymouth
Nathan Schmalz and wife, Jackie, of Lester Prairie
Bev Gilligan and husband, Gene, of Anoka
Mary Jo Mehrl of Woodbury
Lisa Jilek and husband, Jerry, of Minnetrista
Grandchildren:
Garrett Engelhardt (Cortney)
Kaylan Engelhardt
Melanie Eckstein (Josh)
Phillip Schmalz (Christine)
Megan Wiyninger (Brad)
Jeremy Williams
Krista Mehrl
Brandon and Anika Jilek
Great Grandchildren:
Emma and Maya Eckstein
Hayley, Greta, and Paige Schmalz
Cole, Ava, and Max Wiyninger
Lavilla is also survived by her brother, Franklin Schoenke of New Germany and many nephews, nieces, and other relatives.
Lavilla is preceded in death by her husband, Reuben Schmalz; son, Jerry Schmalz; son-in-law, Rev. Klaus Mehrl; parents, Herbert and Mathilda Schoenke; sisters, Janet Schuette Stender (Willmar Schuette and Ralph Stender) Mary Krekelberg (Leroy); sister-in-law, Lila Schoenke; Reuben’s parents, William and Emma Schmalz; Reuben’s siblings, Andrew, Alfred, RoseZena and their spouses; and many nephews and nieces.
Faye and Dallas Schneider says
I am sorry to read this. What a wonderful long life!! Please accept our deepest sympathy.
Curt & Donna Lambrecht says
So sorry to hear this. Your mom was a person who will surely be missed. Your entire family is in our thoughts.
Rita & Greg says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Mitch & Priscilla Klintworth says
Thank you for sharing this. Many hugs and thoughts are coming your way. Mat Jesus continue to hold you close to Him as you grieve and look forward to the blessed reunion in Heaven.
Mary Jo says
Thank you for your kind words! We appreciate your thoughts and prayers.
Francine says
Mary Jo, My sincere condolences. What a precious life your Mom lead, truly a servant of our Lord whom she surely has found rest with. My you and Kristen find peace knowing she is in a much happier place. Francine Ulm
Mary Jo says
Amen! Thanks, Francine!
Jane and Jerry Alsleben says
Schmalz Family
So sorry to hear of Lavilla’s passing. Remember her well, she was a nice lady. Jerry and Jane Alsleben
Ruth Conoryea says
Dear Jackie, Bev, Nathan and Lisa…I have such fond memories of Lavilla and spending time at your farm in Lester Prairie when we were kids. I even have a couple of recipes from my mother Eloise that were famous recipes from your mom…yum…I will hold these memories in my heart….love, blessings and healing to you all and God bless you…love Ruth Ann (Schmalz) Conoryea
Beverly Gilligan says
Thank you, dear Cousin Ruth! May we stand in God’s strength as we try to leave legacies for our children as our mommas have so incredibly done!
~~~Bev~~~
cynthia derobertis says
Sorry to heard of your moms death. She lived a long life but it is still difficult to lose a mom Hoping you are finding a peaceful life in Woodbury and that your faith and positive outlook in life will help your u through another part of life’s journey
Mary Jo says
Thanks, Cyndi! It was so nice to hear from you. I was glad to be closer to mom and the rest of the family these last several years. Life is good, in spite of everything else that is happening around us!
Carol Ackland Behning says
My deepest sympathy to the entire Schmalz families ! Memories last forever, good ones, sad ones and all full of love ! The Schmalz family was the first Lester Prairie family I met so many years ago but still have memories of how we were just getting to know each other when my parents said it was time to go !
Mike and Cindy Wiyninger says
Schmalz family,
Lavilla lived a long life blessed by such a close, caring family. She will be missed! Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family today!
Michael Schmalz says
So sad. Lots of memories with our two Schmalz families. What a great mom u guys had. There’s a welcome party in heaven right now! Love, Michael
Jenni Sebora says
So sorry to hear of Lavilla’s passing. I so enjoyed visiting with her and remember when my mom, Iris and Lavilla would meet up and talk. Such a dear lady and what a blessed life she lived! I can now see her and Iris catching up… God bless you all!