Obituary - Jeffrey L. LaVoi

Jeffrey L. LaVoi, 73, passed away surrounded by his family on Thursday, July 12, 2018.

Cremation has taken place, and memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 17, 2018, at the Big Sandy Church of God with Pastor Eric Sietsema officiating. A private family burial will take place at a later date.

Jeff's family has suggested that memorial donations be made in his name for the medical care for Yanci Ann Phillips, payable to Karli Phillips, c/o Bear Paw Credit Union, PO Box 471, Havre, MT 59501.

Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with services and arrangements.

Please visit Jeff's online memorial page and leave a message of condolence for his family at http://www.hollandbonine.com/.

Jeff was born on April 3, 1945, in Fosston, Minnesota, to Francis and Arlyne (Roue) LaVoi. He was raised on a dairy farm outside of Fosston and graduated from Fosston High School in 1963. He married that year his childhood sweetheart, Marlys Lomen, with whom he went on to have five children, and soon after their marriage enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served aboard the USS Essex. After four years of service, Jeff was honorably discharged, and returned home to his family in Crookston, MN, where he attended the University of Minnesota Technical Institute. He received his Associate of Applied Science in business. Jeff and Marlys later divorced. Over the years, Jeff owned John Deere dealerships in Crookston, MN, Grand Forks, ND, and Havre, MT. He married Kathy Guedo in 1993 in Grand Forks, ND, and the couple has spent the last 25 years making memories together with their family. After selling his dealerships, Jeff spent a few years selling real estate. In 2010, he was elected a Hill County Commissioner, and served as such until he retired in 2016, taking his responsibility to the residents of Hill County very seriously.

Jeff volunteered much of his time working in Beaver Creek Park and enjoyed teaching his Sunday School class at the Big Sandy Church of God. He loved to play his guitar and sing, especially to his grandchildren. He considered caring for the ranch and the horses a joy instead of a chore. Jeff's family was his greatest joy, and his grandchildren were the light of his life.

He was preceded in death by twin grandchildren and his parents, Francis and Arlyne LaVoi.

Jeff is survived by his wife Kathy LaVoi of Havre; children, Heidi (Ed) Hill of Havre, Mark LaVoi of Grand Forks, ND, Renee Leinius of Mandan, ND, Bobbi Jo (Will) Brenner of Rochester, MN, John (Michelle) LaVoi of Fargo, ND, and Sarah and Kurtis (Brittany) Wikel of Calgary, Alberta, Canada; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brothers, Jerry (Barb) LaVoi of St. Cloud, MN, Dan (Gerri) LaVoi and Scott (Stacie) LaVoi of Fosston, MN; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.