LaVonne Sime Okleasik

LaVonne (Sime) Okleasik 82, passed away Friday, Feb. 1, 2019 at the Providence Hospital in Anchorage, Alaska. Services were held at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Nome, Alaska Friday, Feb 8.
LaVonne was born July 4, 1936 in rural Rake, to Russell and Lucille Sime. She was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Eden Township, where she played the church organ during her high school years. She graduated from Rake High School in 1954, then went on to Luther College, Decorah, and graduated with a bachelors’ degree in Education.
She taught in elementary schools in Lakota and Hubbard. A change of scene, she went to Minneapolis, Minn. and worked at the University Hospital. Then while reading the Lutheran Magazine, she answered a call for teachers in Nome, Alaska. Bravely traveling alone, she arrived in Nome in 1963 to teach. There she met her husband, Franklin Okleasik, and they were married in 1964. They raised four children: Sara Anne, Franklin, Jr. (Buddy), Katie, and Tommy.
LaVonne loved playing the piano as a way to relax, but also gave piano lessons and played for church services, directed the choir, and was the church secretary. She enjoyed working at her church, and volunteered her time where needed. She helped start the Nome Preschool. For 18 years, she worked for the City of Nome as the Deputy City Clerk, where she retired.
She is survived by her sisters: Lois (John) Forney, Des Moines; Joan (Don) Winter, Lake Mills; sister-in-law, Nancy Sime, Rake; daughters: Sara Anne Okleasik, Anchorage, Alaska; and Katie (Wilson) Bourdon; sons: Buddy Okleasik and Tommy (Dianne) Okleasik, both of Nome, Alaska; as well as 14 grandchildren. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
LaVonne is preceded in death by her parents, Russell and Lucille Sime; in-laws, Martin and Sarah Okleasik; husband, Frankie; infant son, William Edward; brother, Ronald Sime; and daughter-in-law, Denise Okleasik.