LaVonne Stoik

LaVonne Kay (Havel) Stoik, age 72, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 21, 2026, at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND, with her family by her side, following a short battle with pancreatic cancer.

LaVonne was born on November 30, 1953, to the late Melvin (Bud) Havel & the late June Havel in Rice Lake, WI. where she was raised on the family farm, being the second of four children, and the only girl.

LaVonne grew up on the family farm, where her love of horses began. While her brothers, Bruce, David, and Larry, were drawn to race cars. Racing was an enormous part of the Havel family and eventually led her to meet her first husband, Greg Stoik. As her dad and brothers raced, LaVonne worked security by riding her horse, Jimmy, around the perimeter of the racetrack. She met Greg one night while on patrol and they started dating. After graduating high school in 1971, she attended Barron County Branch Campus in Rice Lake for one year and then married Greg on September 30, 1972, and moved to Larimore, ND.

Greg was in the military and stationed at Grand Forks AFB. Their first apartment was in Larimore, ND, before they moved onto the base in 1973, where their first daughter, Annette, was born in 1974. In 1976, they were transferred to Duluth AFB, where their second child, Dawn, was born in 1977. When Duluth AFB closed in 1982, the family moved overseas to Guam. While living there, LaVonne began her civilian career at the base commissary. In 1984, Greg received orders to return to GFAFB, where her third child, Autumn, was born in 1985.

After returning to GFAFB, LaVonne worked as a sales store checker at the commissary before moving to the 319th Medical Group, where she served in Public Health and later in the Flight Surgeon’s office. In 2001, she accepted a secretary position with the 319th Contracting Squadron, retiring from the squadron on January 9, 2021, after a 35-year civil service career to which she received numerous civilian awards.

In 2001 LaVonne met Lawrence (Jake) Jacobsen while working on the GFAFB. They dated for 11 years and then on March 9, 2012, were married in Las Vegas. They made their home in Larimore, where they lived until her passing. Through her marriage to Jake, LaVonne was blessed to welcome two stepchildren and their families into her life. She enjoyed visiting their homes, sharing in their activities, and growing closer to them over time. Some of the most treasured memories were the holidays they spent together, especially Christmas caroling.

In her younger years, LaVonne enjoyed hunting on the family farm & in the Larimore area, along with some shooting events in Duluth, family gatherings, holidays, playing cards, and spending as much time as possible with her family. Later in life, her greatest joy came from supporting her grandchildren. She enjoyed attending Emily’s sports & horse events. She also enjoyed spending Eastyn’s summer breaks with him, partaking in all sorts of activities keeping her youthful. She seldom missed a sporting or extracurricular activity of theirs. One of her special highlights was getting to play softball with each of her daughters at different times in her life. She was even known to sneak in an episode or two of Price is Right, Wheel of Fortune and HGTV.

LaVonne was known for sending cards, calling simply to say hello and check in, or asking, “Where you at?” She cared deeply for her family & friends and made sure they knew they were loved. She gave generously of herself, often more than others realized, and never expected anything in return.

Surviving LaVonne are her husband Lawrence Jacobsen of Larimore, ND, daughter Annette (Brian) Peterson of Larimore, ND, daughter Autumn Vasichek of Grand Forks, ND, granddaughter Emily Peterson, Beaulah, ND, grandson Eastyn Vasichek, Grand Forks, ND, brothers David Havel, Rice Lake, WI, Larry (Anne) Havel of Rice Lake, WI, sister-in-law Teri Havel, Deerfield, WI, nieces Martha, Jacci & Jessie, and nephew Jason along with their spouses, stepdaughter Susie (John) Iverson, Janesville, WI, Stepson Robert (Janet) Jacobsen, Fargo, ND, step grandchildren, Alyssa, Arlene, Alexia & James (JJ). She also leaves behind a special family member, Scott Vasichek, Grand Forks, ND.

In addition to her parents, LaVonne was proceeded in death by her daughter Dawn Stoik, brother Bruce Havel, sister-in-law Vicki Havel and special friend Tim Zelmer.

A private family memorial service is planned for Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Turtle River State Park.

The family wishes to thank everyone for the love, kindness and support shown to each of us during this difficult time. Mom was a blessing to all that knew her and will be deeply missed by so many.