Lavina Fox
Lavina Fox was born on August 22, 1934 to Leo and Lena Abraham. She was raised on their family farm in Yellow Medicine County, MN, and graduated from Dawson High School in 1952. On January 13, 1954 she married Norman Fox at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Canby, MN. They began their marriage farming near Canby and then lived in New Ulm from 1960 to 1973 at which time they moved to Slayton. Shortly thereafter Lavina began working at M & M Distributing until she retired in 2016. She stayed in Slayton through August 2020 enjoying many friendships she developed at work, in her community, and church. Lavina then moved to New Ulm to be closer to family. Lavina was a member of St. Ann’s Church where she served on the church council and was a member of the Council of Catholic Women. While at St. Ann’s, Lavina thoroughly enjoyed singing in the choir and serving as song leader. She was a woman of faith and known for zealously praying her rosary daily before hopping out of bed. She abided by the Ten Commandments and created and enforced an Eleventh Commandment, drilled deeply into the Fox family – “Thou shall not ever, ever waste.” Lavina passed away on Monday, March 22, 2021 at the New Ulm Medical Center following a stroke.
Lavina was a member of the Murray County Fair Board for over 40 years. She loved competing in baking competitions, earning dozens of ribbons over the years with her prowess in the kitchen. Lavina’s highest priority was motherhood, which she embraced and mastered with ease, grace, humor, and worked tirelessly to ensure her family had what they needed. Becoming a grandmother and great-grandmother multiplied her joy. Lavina relished every second she could spend with a grandchild helping them understand what’s important in life. In retirement she enjoyed visiting with family and friends, cooking, canning, quilting, sewing, gardening, completing crossword puzzles, and FaceTiming with anyone and everyone on her iPad. Her spunky nature, compassion, and energy had no limit. Lavina’s spirit and generosity provided comfort to those hurting, cheers to those celebrating, and counsel to the troubled. Her twinkling blue eyes, and infectious laughter – often shared with her sisters – will forever live on.
Lavina and Norman happily raised nine children who survive her along with their spouses: Perry (Wendy) Fox, Woodbury; Linda (Doug) Hillenbrand, Rochester; Doug (Lori) Fox, Louisville, KY; Cathy (Kevin) Dillon, Lake City; Linnae (Keith) Engesser, Tracy; Richard Fox, Mahtomedi; David Fox, Thornton, IA; Michelle (Mitch) Oyen, Rochester; and Nathan (Tina) Fox, Woodbury. In addition, Lavina and Norm considered Dan Clauson and Darrell Knapper to be part of their immediate family. Others survivors include 15 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren; 4 sisters, Anita Kockelman, Viola Fox, Betty Lauck, Joyce Rueckert; 1 brother, Lambert Abraham; and 1 sister-in-law, Vivian Abraham. Lavina was preceded in death by her husband Norm, parents, and 8 siblings.
Funeral Services will be at St. Ann’s Church in Slayton on Friday, on March 26, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. with Fr. Thien Nguyen officiating. The organist is Judy Andrews and the song leader is Sheila Crowley. The honorary pallbearers are her grandchildren, Jami Eckerle, Tera Gregory, Cait Montgomery, Amanda Fox, Jenny Fox, Gabrielle Dillon, Corissa Dillon, Heather Fox, Andrew Engesser, Bailey Hannula, Jerad Fox, Walter Oyen, Grace Oyen, Everett Oyen, and Elizabeth Fox. An interment will be at the New Ulm Catholic Cemetery (at a later date).
Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the services at the church on Friday. Totzke Funeral Home of Slayton is entrusted with arrangements. To send condolences visit totzkefuneralhome.com. Per MN Executive Order, masks will be required, social distancing and occupancy limits will be followed.
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