LaVonne J. Herzog

GUTTENBERG, IOWA

LaVonne Jean Herzog, 85 of Osterdock, passed away Thursday, November 6, 2025, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Visitation will be held from 2-6 pm on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at Morris Funeral Home in Guttenberg. Visitation will continue on Friday, November 14, 2025, from 9:30 to 10:30 am at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Guttenberg with funeral services beginning at 10:30 am. Burial will follow at Bethel Cemetery, near Colesburg. Reverend Mike Ashman and Reverent Roland Waterman will officiate.

Lavonne was born on February 20, 1940, the 2nd daughter of Arnold and Avo (Burrington) Waterman of Garber, IA. She attended Elkport school until it closed and transferred to Central Community School in Elkader, Ia. LaVonne then transferred to Guttenberg High School, after her family moved closer to Guttenberg, where she met the love of her life and high school sweetheart, Aryln Herzog. Her and Arlyn married on June 17, 1958, at St John’s Church, in Guttenberg. She began her farm life with Arlyn, on a farm in Osterdock, then moved to Millville and back to Aryln’s family farm, in Osterdock where they spent the last 61 years working side by side.

She and Arlyn worked hard on the farm, raising 5 children, milking cows, taking care of chickens, pigs and crop farming. Arlyn said “She was always one step behind him.” LaVonne began working outside the home at Christianson Café in Guttenberg and later worked at the Ertl Toy Company in Dyersville, IA for 28 years. She took a lot of pride in her work at Ertl’s and on the farm and was always busy. No job was ever too big for her, and she was always willing to lend a helping hand. She loved to cook and bake, never letting guests or neighbors help with field work, go hungry. She would always take more food than necessary to family reunions or picnics, saying “She had to take as much as her family would eat.” LaVonne loved flower gardening, playing cards, going to dances and being with family and friends. She especially loved Christmas when she could watch her children and grandchildren open their gifts.

Lavonne had a big heart with much love to give to those around her. She thoroughly enjoyed spending time with special friends; she met and got to know from going to dances for many years.

She will be sadly missed by all her friends and family left behind, to cherish her memories.

LaVonne is survived by her husband Aryln Herzog of 67 years; children: Kathy (Brad) Scherf of Farmersburg, IA, Connie Horstman of Davenport, IA; Cindy (Steve) Moser of Garber, IA, and Carol (Brian) Handke Dyersville, IA. Her surviving Grandchildren: Greg (Donna) Herzog, Valerie (Steve)Reimer, Hilary (Josh) Anderegg, Dylan Scherf, Matthew Scherf, Kent Horstman, Jessica (Adam) James, Austin (Kelsey) Simms, Jesse Moser, Nicole Moser, Jenna (Jacob) Aulwes, Abby (Travis) Steffens, Ellie Handke and multiple great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her son, Kerry Herzog; grandson, Adam Herzog; her parents; her sisters: LuVeryl Seago and Virgene Waterman; parents-in-law, Fern and Earl Herzog; and niece Michelle (Shelly Herzog) Parker.

Morris Funeral Home in Guttenberg is assisting the family. Information is available at https://www.kramer-morrisfuneralhome.com.