LaVern Marion Samshal, age 89, passed away on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at the Villa St. Vincent in Crookston, Minnesota. She was born on a farm in Fossum Township on February 21, 1936, as the oldest child to loving parents Alfred and Ella (Olman) Slette.
Growing up, LaVern attended country school before attending and graduating from Twin Valley High School in 1955. The following year, on September 23, 1956, she married the love of her life, Milan Samshal, at the Gary Lutheran Church parsonage in Gary, MN. They moved to Crookston, where they would build their life together and raise their three children.
Lavern had many interests that brought her joy. She enjoyed camping and could often be found sitting with her husband in the evening by the campfire, watching the sunset. She loved flowers, which she was able to enjoy in the yard she and her husband cared for. She liked bird watching and relaxing in the peace and beauty of nature. She also enjoyed reading, dancing, and traveling with her husband. Her relationship with Milan was truly a once in a lifetime love. They did everything together and could always be found on the dance floor at family weddings, creating many memorable moments. They would go for drives together, watch movies on Saturday nights and Hallmark movies on Sundays.
Her career was dedicated to the care of others, working as a nurse aid at Bethesda and RiverView hospitals. She was also a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, the American Legion Auxiliary, Eagles Auxiliary, and VFW Auxiliary,
LaVern is survived by her children, Debbie (Gary) Knutson of Crookston, MN, Ron (Judy) Samshal of Moorhead, MN, Diane (Scott) Riopelle of Crookston, MN; grandchildren, Justin (Tracey) Knutson, Jessica (Dereck) Williams, James (Shilo) Knutson, Jason (Brandi) Knutson, Jennifer (Joey) Perreault, Matt (Marissa) Riopelle, Mitch Riopelle, Travis Samshal; great-grandchildren, Isaiah, Easton, Hunter, Carley, Jadelyn, Jaron, Camden, Hadley, Brinley; bonus grandchildren, Bridget, Jenny, Shad, Aaliyah; and other beloved family and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Milan Samshal; parents, Alfred and Ella Slette; parents-in-law, Oscar and Blenda Samshal; siblings, Lloyd Slette, Arlene Bushie; siblings-in-law, Wally Bushie, Janice (John) Peterick, Marlene (Wayne) Hall, Ervin (DeeAnn) Samshal; and great-grandson, Kason Williams.
Lavern leaves behind the legacy of love and compassion. Her life is a testament to the positive impact one person can have on many. Her presence will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
A funeral service celebrating LaVern’s life will be held at Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home in Crookston, Minnesota on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Visitation will be one hour prior. Interment will be in the spring at St. Olaf Lutheran Cemetery in rural Twin Valley, Minnesota.
Lavern’s family would like to thank the hospice nurses and Villa staff for the care and comfort they provided.