LaVonne Helen Betsinger

LaVonne Helen Betsinger, age 86, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away, Monday, September 8, 2025, at Wildwood Grove in LeRoy, Minnesota. LaVonne was born one of twelve children to Robert and Helen (Engholm) Helmers in Fort Dodge, Iowa, on April 26, 1939. Over the years, LaVonne worked for various department stores, including Wallaces, Woolworths, and Younkers, before spending her later years as a laundry aide at Burr Oak Manor. On June 29, 1957, she was united in marriage to Theodore “Ted” Betsinger at Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Austin and together had a daughter, Rose. In 1999, the couple both faced the challenge of battling cancer, a fight that Ted ultimately lost in August of that same year. LaVonne was known for her kindness, strong will, and infectious humor. She loved home decorating, trips to the casino, horse and dog racing, and enjoyed both coffee and hamburgers. Family held a special place in LaVonne’s heart, and she looked forward to their Sunday visits. LaVonne especially cherished her time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Survivors include her daughter, Rose (Lynn) Hoffman of Dexter, Minnesota; three grandchildren, Nicole, Amber, and Sam; two great-grandchildren, Jack and Beau; one brother; and four sisters. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Helen Helmers; husband, Theodore; five brothers; and one sister.

A funeral service for LaVonne will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home in Austin, Minnesota. The visitation will take place from 10:30-11:00 a.m. prior to the service. Interment will be in London Cemetery. In lieu of flowers or monetary donations, the family prefers memorial trees be planted in LaVonne’s memory. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin.