LaVonne Day was born January 5, 1934 to Mary (Vares) and Willard Day in Lead, SD. LaVonne was a graduating member of the Lead High School class of 1952.

LaVonne was born to a family of Yugoslavian immigrants. She spent much of her youth translating conversations, and writing and translating letters for her grandmother, members of the Yugoslavian community in Lead and Deadwood, and family members still living in Yugoslavia.

On June 24, 1952 LaVonne married Glenn D. Swanson, also of Lead. To this union five boys were born (four were born within six years!). She was very proud to have mothered William (Bill), Bradford (Brad), Kingsley, Jay and Erik.

After living in Lead/Deadwood, Alliance NE, Edgemont and Sturgis, in 1974 LaVonne and Glenn were able to purchase a small acreage just southwest of Rapid City, and with the help of the five boys, they spent the next several years building the beautiful home and property that she resided in until her death on June 11, 2024.

In 1970, with five young boys at home, LaVonne set her sights on a college education. In a few short years she earned a BS in Education from Black Hills State College in Spearfish, SD, and immediately went on to obtain a master's degree from the University of Northern Colorado Greeley. She was a college professor teaching English, Literature, Speech, and Composition at National College, Black Hills State College through Ellsworth AFB Extension (educating our Armed Services Members), and ultimately at the newly blossoming Western Dakota VoTech. She enjoyed a 38 year career in higher education and was very proud of her educational and professional successes.

Her passions in life included her husband and sons, her animals (there were many!), drama through Rapid City Community Theater (performing, directing, and attending), a good ballroom dance, and don’t forget her Marlboro Light 100s!

LaVonne is preceded in death by her husband Glenn D. Swanson (July 28, 1998), their son Bradford Paul Swanson (November 6, 2012), and her parents. Left to mourn her loss are her remaining four sons, the families of all her sons, and her friends.

In her honor, and to celebrate her love of animals, please consider making a gift to the Humane Society of the Black Hills or an animal rescue/shelter of your choice.