LaVine Larson, a long-term resident of Merrill, passed away quietly at Wheaton Franciscan Hospital in Franklin, WI on August 22, 2011.
During her years in Merrill, LaVine was a member of the Hospital Auxiliary and an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church. She moved to Oak Creek several years ago in order to be closer to her family. Until recently, she continued to enjoy sewing, knitting, Packer games, and the thing she was best known for-cooking and baking. Her health failed only in recent months, and she was admitted to the hospital on Thursday, August 18th.
Her family and friends joined in the celebration of her life on Thursday, August 25 at the Max Sass Mission Hills Chapel in Franklin, with Pastor David Paape, who served as the Lutheran chaplain in her Oak Creek apartment presiding at a memorial service in celebration of her life. Internment will take place in October at Forest Grove Cemetery in the Town of Maine.
LaVine is survived by her daughters Edith A. Rusch of Las Vegas, NV, and Susan K. Rusch of Oak Creek, WI, and her son Thomas A. Rusch of Waukesha. Her daughter Mia Land preceded her in death. Her grandchildren include Jennifer (Mueller) Lenda of Oak Creek,WI, Adam Luchsinger of Portland OR, Jason Mueller of Fort Lauderdale, FL, Heather Rusch of LeClaire, IA, and Daniel Manzano of Eugene, OR, and Benjamin Buchanan of Seattle, WA. LaVine was blessed with 2 great-grandchildren: Kaitlin and Jack Lenda.