Lavonne Findlay Morgensen

Morgensen, Lavonne Findlay DEFOREST-Lavonne Findlay Morgensen, age 72, of DeForest, passed away on Monday, Nov. 16, 2009, at home with family, friends, and her dog Maggie by her side. She was born on Sept. 10, 1937, in Fergus Falls, Minn., the daughter of Raymond Genz and Violet Genz Skogen. Lavonne graduated from high school in Fergus Falls, Minn. She went on to nursing school, but discontinued when she got married. Lavonne married John A. Findlay on Dec. 29, 1956, in Fergus Falls, Minn. John and Lavonne moved to Madison where John started his architectural career. Lavonne was a member of the Womens Architectural League for more than 40 years. She belonged to a Wednesday morning bowling coffee league that started on Northport Drive. Lavonne was the league treasurer for 15 years because no one wanted the job. After 49 years with the league, she was still bowling. Lavonne became a self-employed carpenter and worked on homes after John passed away in 1972. Most children would come home to the smells of bread and cookies, but Lavonne's children came home to the smells of cut lumber and stain. She went on to work at Ace Hardware on Williamson Street where she loved the local characters. Lavonne's last job was at Ace Hardware in Waunakee where she just celebrated her 20 year anniversary. Vonnie loved her birds and feeding the birds. She always said that if she had only one dollar left to her name she would buy bird seed. Vonnie enjoyed being with her friends, including going out to dinner and visiting Door County. She also loved to cook and make meals and soups for friends and family. The one hobby she loved the most was working on a project. Lavonne is survived by her daughter, Lisa Murray; grandchildren, Logan and Lucas; son-in-law, Hartley Murray; stepdaughter, Cheryl (Jerry) Moore; grandchildren, Austin and Dylan; stepdaughter, Ann Roberts; grandson, Kirk; brother, Marlin (Jan) Genz; sister, June Ramey; sisters-in-law, Phyllis (Ron) Kugler, Toppy Findlay, and Betty Martin; many nieces and nephews; and special friends Paul and Rita Volley, Steve Borstead, and her Ace Hardware Waunakee family. Vonnie is survived by so many friends from over the years and people who called her mom. She was preceded in death by her husbands, John Findlay and Robert Morgensen; son, Steven Findlay; parents, Raymond and Violet Genz; and brother, Stanley Genz. A Memorial Service will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009, at FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 5763 County Highway Q, Waunakee. Visitation will be from 2:30 p.m. until the time of the service on Saturday, at the church. A private inurnment will be held at Forest Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Vonnie wanted all of her soup containers and lids, and all of her casserole dishes back. Memorial contributions can be made to UW Children's Hospital or made in the name of her beloved dog, Maggie, to the Dane County Humane Society. A special thank you to Dr. David Hei, Karen Husby-Moore, and the nurses and staff for their amazing loving care and laughter at the Comprehensive Cancer Center at 1 S. Park St., Dr. David Ringdahl and the nurses and staff of UW Health-DeForest, and lastly the amazing Hospice team that cared for her in the end. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, Vonnie wanted all of her soup containers and lids, and all of her casserole dishes back. Memorial contributions can be made to UW Children's Hospital or made in the name of her beloved dog, Maggie, to the Dane County Humane Society. Cemetery: A private inurnment will be held at Forest Hill Cemetery. Visitation: Visitation will be from 2:30 p.m. until the time of the service on Saturday, at the church. Service: Memorial Service will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009, at FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 5763 County Highway Q, Waunakee.