LaVonne O. Kruse was born on her parent’s ranch in Conata Basin near Interior, the youngest of fourteen children born to William and Lena (Schluter) Kruse. She grew up on the ranch, and received her education in that area, graduating from Cottonwood High School.
LaVonne then attended one year of college in Chicago before transferring to the University of Denver, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree. As a young woman she worked in California for two years, then moved to Anchorage, Alaska. While in Anchorage, she met and later married Nathaniel Green in 1947, and to this union were born three children, Nathaniel Douglas, Daniel Putnam, and Teresa Mary. They owned and operated the Arctic Circle Trailer Park in Anchorage. While in Anchorage, Lavonne was very active in politics. She was a member of the Zonta Club and was president of the Fairview Elementary PTA. In 1971, LaVonne, Nathaniel, and Teresa moved to Colorado Springs. While in Colorado Springs, her husband Nathaniel preceded her in death.
After his death, Lavonne and Teresa moved to Interior where they, along with her son-in-law Ansel, owned and operated the Wooden Knife Cafe until her retirement in 2002. After her retirement, she continued to reside in Interior. While in Interior, LaVonne was a member of the Presbyterian Women’s Club and the Current Event Club.
Grateful for having shared her life include a son Daniel Putnam Green of Nashville, Tennesse; one daughter Teresa Mary Wooden Knife and her husband Ansel of Interior; seven grandchildren Nathaniel Jonathon Green, Jocelyn Elise Green, Cyler Jaros Green, Shiloh LaVonne Wooden Knife-Willard, Brandy Joy Wooden Knife, Rebecka Sioux Wooden Knife, and Nathaniel Wolf Wooden Knife; four great-grandchildren; two brothers Lawrence Kruse and his wife Betty of Interior, and Forrest Kruse of San Benito, Texas; and a host of other relatives and friends.
In addition to her husband Nathaniel, LaVonne was preceded in death by a son Nathaniel Douglas; her parents; and eleven brothers and sisters.
Graveside services were held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 5, 2006 at the Fairview Cemetery in Interior, South Dakota.
Guest Book
Teresa and Ansel:
We are so sorry to hear about your Mom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
~ Rod & Darlene Cudmore
20356 SD Hwy. 1806, Ft. Pierre, SD 57532 (8/2/2006)
We will miss you LaVonne!!
~ Xavier Wright & Ciara Birds Head
P.O. Box 244, Wanblee, SD 57577 (8/2/2006)
I met LaVonne only a month ago at the nursing home in Kadoka. I always helped her out in any way that I could. She was always smiling and always happy. She made my employment there worthwhile. I beaded a small cross for her to carry around and to know that I was thinking of her whenever I could not be there to help her. I wanted her to know that I was always going to be thinking of her and that I cared. When I quit at the nursing home she told me she was going to miss me, but I don't think she realized how much I was going to miss her. She was a wonderful person and I am really going to miss her. I am so sorry for such a great loss.
~ Rhiannon M. Wright
P.O. Box 244, Wanblee, SD 57577 (8/2/2006)
I wish to extend my deepest sympathy in the loss of your loved one, LaVonne Green. I remember the many happy times at the restaurant in Interior. My prayers are with all of you.
Love Pastor Don
~ Pastor Don Lagge
P.O. Box 128, Stickney, SD 57375 (8/2/2006)
I only met LaVonne once, but she seemed a truly remarkable woman and I send my sincere sympathy to her family and friends.
~ Patty Burgin
50 Reliance Rd. #151 (8/2/2006)
To Lavonnes dear family, Roger and I loved seeing Lavonnes always smiling face. What a dear sweet woman. I know Roger deeply loved his Aunt Lavonne. We always stopped to see her and have a good long talk. I loved her stories and opinions. She will be missed by us and our family. She was always accepting of us and my family from day one and I knew she was a good person in her heart. Please know that we loved her and will miss her. Roger and Cheryl Kruse and Family
~ Roger and Cheryl Kruse
Rock Springs, Wyoming (8/2/2006)
LaVonne was a neat person! We used to farm south of Interior so we would stop and have one of her famous Indian Tacos. If she wasn't too busy we'd get in a little visit too. When she was in the Philip Hospital, we had a good visit about the old times. I told her we missed her Indian Tacos and she told me that the Circle 10 campground serves a pretty good on now. She will be missed, a wonderful lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with LaVonne's family and friends. God Bless! Debbie and Mike Clements
~ Debbie Clements
Philip, SD (8/2/2006)
Teresa and family
Teresa I am so sorry to hear about your Mom. I hope God will give you the strength to get through this difficult time. I am thinking of you and praying for you. GOD BLESS
~ Tana O'Connor
Belle Fourche, SD (8/2/2006)