James LaVoy

He was born the son of Arthur and Catherine (Paradis) LaVoy in rural Marshall, Minnesota area. Jim went to school in his early years in one-room schoolhouses, then to High School in Cottonwood, Minnesota, graduating in 1944. In 1945, he joined the US Navy, serving for 18 months.

Jim worked at Kay’s Shoe Store for three years. Then he partnered with Gus and Eleanor (sister) Boerboom, owning the Buy-Rite grocery store in Marshall for 10 years. Jim then started selling health insurance for Pat Rogers and Associates. This career change prompted subsequent moves to Omaha, Nebraska and Denison, Iowa where he lived until he retired in 1987.

Jim married Faith Matthews on June 9, 1952. Jim and Faith had four children: Rebecca (and Michael) Smart live in Indian Harbour Beach, Florida, Bryan (and Debra) LaVoy in Colfax, Wisconsin, William (Bill) (and Liz) LaVoy in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and James (and Carrie) LaVoy in Olathe, Kansas. Faith passed away on June 19, 1977.

Jim then married Kate (Lanoue) on Jan. 13, 1979. The stepchildren are Patricia (and Craig) Roslien in Minnetonka, Minnesota, Elaine (and Jack, deceased) Koch in Mankato, Minnesota, Edward (and Karen) Blomme in Edina, Minnesota and Charles (and Deb) Blomme in Edina, Minnesota.

Jim enjoyed spending time with all the eight children and their families.

Memorials are preferred to the Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Marshall, Minnesota. The family is exploring Fall dates (September or October) for a Catholic Funeral Mass at the Deephaven Woods Senior Living facility Chapel in Wayzata, Minnesota where Kate continues to reside. There will also be a Celebration of Life event in Marshall, held separately this Fall. Washburn and McReavy Funeral and Cremation Services are coordinating.