Lavonne Koutavas

LaVonne M. Koutavas, age 86 of Faribault, died Sunday, January 26, 2014 at the Pleasant Manor Nursing Home in Faribault, surrounded by her family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, January 30, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church, 139 Mercy Drive, in Faribault with the Rev. Erik Lundgren officiating. Interment will be held at the Meadow Ridge Memorial Park in Faribault.

Visitation will be held at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home & Crematory of Faribault on Wednesday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and at the church on Thursday for one hour prior to services.

LaVonne Mary Harding, the daughter of James and Melvina (Benjamin) Harding, was born on September 12, 1927 in Faribault. She attended Faribault High School and graduated with the class of 1945. On July 31, 1947 she was united in marriage to Mike Koutavas in Faribault. For about 40 years they owned and operated the Modern Bar and Café in Faribault, which they had acquired from Mike's father Gus. Mike preceded her in death on June 25, 2006. LaVonne very much enjoyed playing cards with her close friends at the café. She enjoyed trips to Las Vegas, watching the Game Show Network and most of all enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.

She is survived by her son Dean Koutavas and special friend Patty Prince of Faribault; by two granddaughters, Gina (John) Schulz of Medford, MN and Jessica (Wade) Kern of West Concord, MN; by four great grandchildren, Dana (Jacob) Kaplan, Steve Schulz, Tristen Kern and Sadie Kern; by her great great granddaughter, Emily Ann Kaplan and by other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two daughters, Elena Koutavas and Julie Cloutier Kolterman, son, John Koutavas, grandson Dion, sister, Margaret Harding and two brothers, James and Jack Harding.