LaVonne M Wagenman

LaVonne Wagenman, 85, of Cando, ND came into this world during a March snowstorm, and like that show of force from nature, she embodied an energetic life filled with strong love for those whose lives she touched. She went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sept. 19, 2021, while surrounded by her family at her home in Cando, N.D. A celebration of her life will be held from 2-4 p.m. on May 14, 2022.  


LaVonne Marian Brandt was born March 29, 1936, in Rock Lake, N.D., the daughter of Alfred and Etta (Myers) Brandt. She went to high school in Cando and married her sweetheart, Harlan Wagenman, on July 13, 1954. They farmed and raised sheep near Cando for many years, and they had four children. 


LaVonne was a woman of many creative abilities. A beautiful pianist, she often played for worship and offering at Cando Assembly of God, and sometimes Harlan accompanied her on his saxophone. LaVonne shared her skill at China painting with many by teaching lessons and giving hand-painted items as gifts. She was an expert with a sewing machine, and she created beautiful clothing for her family. She had an eye for unique items and collectibles and found great joy in collecting and displaying her dolls. 


While LaVonne’s talents and passions were many, they were dwarfed by her skill at loving and caring for those around her. She created a joyful farm home filled with laughter and love, and she enjoyed hosting friends and family for knoephla soup, game nights and holidays. She was named North Dakota Mother of the Year in 2000 and traveled across the U.S., sharing her stories of faith and family to encourage other women. She and Harlan were caregivers for older adults for many years, and they also were foster parents. LaVonne was part of the Red Hat Society, taught Sunday School, spoke at Christian Women’s Club, and was involved in Christmas In The Country craft fairs. A devoted supporter of the Cando Cubs and the Northstar Bearcats, she was named “fan of the year” along with Harlan in 2021.


LaVonne is survived by her husband of 67 years, Harlan Wagenman; her daughter, Marlene Anderson of Spokane, W.A.; sons Kim (Tracee) Wagenman of Spearfish, S.D.; and Paul (Mindy) Wagenman of Cando, N.D.; granddaughters Aleisha (Michael) Theisen of Minneapolis, M.N.; Tiffany Althaus of Seattle, W.A.; Erica (Dustin) Lyle of Hayward, W.I.; Madison Wagenman of Cando, N.D.; grandsons Dustin (Rebecca) Anderson of Spokane, W.A.; Travis Anderson of Spokane, W.A.; Ben Wagenman of Cando, N.D.; and six great-grandchildren: Kaelyn and Jaisab Lyle of Hayward, W.I.; and Elkin, Payson, Hudson and Kinsley Anderson of Spokane, W.A. She was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Etta Brandt; a son, Mark Wagenman; a grandson, Levi Wagenman; and five brothers: Eugene Curtis, Ronnie, Durward, Robert and Jay Brandt.