La Vonne "Bonnie" Wilson

Vivian LaVonne (Bonnie) Wilson (nee Fleener) passed away peacefully at Saint Elizabeth Health Care in Wabasha, MN on June 20, 2014 at the age of 90. LaVonne was born to Darrel and Agnes (McInroy) Fleener on December 31, 1923 and raised in West Concord, MN with her sister Evelyn and Brothers Keith and Darrell. LaVonne was the beloved wife and life-long friend of the late Harold (Curly) Wilson. After high school, she went to a one year teacher’s college in Zumbrota, MN. Upon graduation at the age 19, she started her teaching career in a one room school house in Ellington Township, MN. After starting her career, she married her best friend Harold Wilson; they were blessed with four sons, Douglas, Nicholas, Scott, and Lance. While raising a family and teaching full time, she continued her education, earning a master’s degree in education. She taught in the West Concord school system from 1941 to 1967 and also served as an elementary school principal. In 1967, she moved with her family to Alma, WI, where she continued teaching until retiring in 1989. During her 48 yearlong teaching career, she taught her students the value of education, kindness, compassion, and hard work. LaVonne loved to spend time with her family. She was an excellent prolific storyteller, reader, and gardener. She loved to learn the stories of her local community. One of her greatest sources of pride was the success of her children, grandchildren and students. There are givers and takers in the world, and LaVonne was truly one of the givers. LaVonne will be greatly missed by her sons Douglas (Linda nee Wendt) Wilson, Nicholas Wilson, and Scott (Susan nee Bjorklund) Wilson. Her brother Terry (NaDeane nee Leota) Fleener, 13 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Harold, her son Lance, her brother Keith Fleener, and her sister Evelyn Nosbish. A visitation will be at the Talbot Family Funeral Home in Alma, WI on Friday June 27 at 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A committal service will be at the West Concord Cemetery in rural West Concord, MN on Saturday June 28 at 2:00 PM. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.talbotfuneralhomes.com. The family wishes memorial donations be directed to the Alzheimer Association at www.alz.org or mailed to Alzheimer’s Association / P.O. Box 96011 / Washington, DC 20090-6011.