LaVilla Rowland Onsager, 100, loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother passed away on Thursday, April 23, 2020. LaVilla was born in Postville, Iowa on March 18, 1920 to Frank and Emma (Wander) Gordon. She graduated from Postville High School in 1938. LaVilla was born and grew up on the farm three miles outside of Postville. On March 1945, LaVilla married Oliver Rowland. They raised three sons, Everett, James and David near Clermont, Iowa. Her husband Oliver passed away in 1963. LaVilla married Marvin Onsager in 1984.
LaVilla loved and enjoyed cooking, gardening, music-playing drums and guitar and farm animals. She dedicated and enjoyed working with 4-H Club Youth. She loved and enjoyed visiting families, friends and co-workers. LaVilla had worked at Northern Engraving until retiring. She kept up the news and weather forecast. LaVilla enjoyed following sport events, especially local PHS and ISU Cyclones teams. LaVilla was a life-time member of the Postville Presbyterian Church. She was known to have a razor-sharp mind.
LaVilla is survived by her sons, Everett (Vicki) Rowland of Clermont, Iowa, James (Elvira) Rowland of Postville, Iowa and David (Peggy) Rowland of Merritt Island, Florida; five grandchildren, Angelisa (Mike) Belden of Des Moines, Iowa, Brandon (Kara) Rowland of Arvada, Colorado, Kathy Rowland Scheppmann of Rochester, Minnesota, Lee John Rowland of Washington, DC and Matthew Rowland of Denver, Colorado; four grandchildren, Hailey Scheppmann, Nolan and Grace Belden and Opal Rowland; step-daughter, Marylou (Dave) Sorum of Waukon, Iowa; stepson, Mike Onsager of Decorah, Iowa; several step grandchildren and great-grandchildren, cousin, nephews, nieces and relatives.
LaVilla was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Emma; grandparents; both husbands, Oliver and Marvin; several aunts and uncles; cousins and one step-daughter, Barbara (Ray) Johnson.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Postville Good Samaritan Society, Meals on Wheels, Postville Presbyterian Community Church and Postville Fire Department.
Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Postville, Iowa is assisting the family