LaVaun Lou (Leuthold) Kinzler was born April 29, 1932, in Maryville, MO, to Walter and Lydia (Lehmann) Leuthold. LaVaun graduated from Horace Mann High School in 1950. After graduation, she saw a picture of the pastor's handsome son, Louie Kinzler. They met at a church social, were engaged, and married on April 6, 1951. Soon after, Louie served in Korea; LaVaun remained in Maryville and worked as a telephone operator. After his discharge, they moved to Lawrence, KS, where she worked in the school lunch room and also cleaned houses. After coming to the Black Hills to vacation with family for numerous years, they moved to Sturgis on June 9, 1972. She worked briefly at Philtown Restaurant as a waitress but was known by many from working at Sooper Dooper for 21 years where she retired. She enjoyed camping with family, sewing, knitting, quilting, neighborhood book club, painting, and volunteering at the Senior Thrift Store. She returned to playing the piano after an absence of 50 years, often playing for Louie and friends and occasionally at church. LaVaun had a deep appreciation for her family, friends, neighbors, and her pastor.

LaVaun, 83, Sturgis, died peacefully in her sleep Sunday, August 9, 2015, at Rapid City Regional Hospital.

Survivors include sons, Ted (Susan) Kinzler, Gary (Kellie) Kinzler, and daughter, Carla (Kelly) Evans, all residing in Sturgis; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and her cat, Tiger, whom she loved.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother; her husband; and one grandson.

Memorial Service will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 26, 2015 at LifeSpring Wesleyan Church, Sturgis, South Dakota. Inurnment will be at Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis, South Dakota.

A memorial has been established to Sturgis Harbor Youth.

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