LaVonne “Vonnie” Reiter, of Prior Lake, passed away on Saturday, August 8, 2015 at the age of 66. Mass of Christian Burial is Friday, August 14, 2015 at 11:00 AM with visitation from 9:30 – 11:00 AM at the Church of St. Michael in Prior Lake. Father Xavier Goulet will preside. Vonnie will be laid to rest during a private family committal at Resurrection Cemetery in Shorewood.
Gilbert and Leona (Heitz) Schmidt received the best Christmas present they could have hoped for when they were blessed with a beautiful baby girl, LaVonne Rose. She was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on December 24, 1948. Vonnie was the only child, and she was always very close with her parents. She spent part of her childhood in Minneapolis before her family moved to Minnetonka. Vonnie attended and graduated from Minnetonka High School.
After high school, Vonnie completed coursework and training to become a dental assistant and hygienist. She worked for a local dental office and enjoyed interacting with all of the patients she’d see. After some time, Vonnie attended beauty school and eventually opened her own beauty shop in Bloomington. Vonnie has always been an outgoing and energetic person, so this was a great fit for her. Like at the dental office she had the opportunity to interact with people all day, and she loved it. After years as a beautician, Vonnie changed professions yet again. She was offered a position at Silgan Containers. Vonnie worked there as an inspector for many years before retiring in 2010.
In the late 90’s Vonnie met a man by the name of Roger Reiter. Vonnie had always been close friends with Roger’s sister, and soon developed a friendship with Roger as well. Their friendship quickly blossomed into love, and the two exchanged wedding vows in Las Vegas on October 1, 2001.
Throughout the years, Roger and Vonnie loved spending time with each other at their home. Together they kept beautiful flower and vegetable gardens. Vonnie was great at canning all of the delicious produce they’d grow. She was most famous for her green beans and homemade jam. Vonnie was also an excellent cook. She loved watching cooking shows on T.V. and then trying out new recipes. Her favorite show was The Pioneer Woman , and everyone knew not to disturb Vonnie when her show was on.
Roger and Vonnie also spent a lot of time watching all of the wildlife near their house. It seems that there are always deer, birds, squirrels, turkeys and even a peacock nearby. Vonnie would give names to all of the animals that came around, and the most infamous was “Penelope the Peacock” who even spent a few nights in their garage one winter.
Vonnie was the ultimate caregiver and so generous with her time. She was always looking out for those around her. Vonnie loved spending time with and caring for her mother, Leona. In fact, the thing Vonnie enjoyed most about retirement was that it allowed her to spend more time at home with her family. Vonnie was wonderful step-mother, and she was the best grandma to Mackenzie and Nolan. Vonnie was always doing special things for the grandkids. Every year she would hide a pickle on the Christmas tree, and give an extra present to whoever could find the pickle first.
Vonnie was a kind woman with an outgoing personality. She was the life of the party, but didn’t need to be the center of attention. It is clear to see why she had so many wonderful friends and family members who loved her so much. Vonnie will be deeply missed and remembered always by her husband, Roger Reiter; mother, Leona Schmidt; step-son, Russell (Susan) Reiter; grandchildren, Mackenzie and Nolan Reiter; aunts, Marie Heitz (godmother) and Cecilia Heitz; other loving relatives and many dear friends. Vonnie’s father, Gilbert Schmidt, was there to greet her in Heaven.
The Reiter family is served with honor, care and compassion by Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation.
