Lavon Martha Klein

Lavon Martha Klein, a beloved mother, entrepreneur, and advocate for Veterans, passed away peacefully on April 22, 2024, at the Holy Spirit Retirement Home in Sioux City, Iowa.

Lavon was born on June 30, 1937, in North Dakota. She grew up on the family homestead in the Hankinson area and pursued her education at the North Dakota School of Science. In October of 1957, she married Harold Ganskop, with whom she shared the joy of raising four children. After their marriage, Lavon and Harold lived in Indiana, Alcester, South Dakota, and eventually Sioux Falls, South Dakota. In 1980, they divorced and Lavon continued living in Sioux Falls until moving to the Sioux City area along with her daughter, Roxanne.

Early in her career, Lavon worked as a secretary before dedicating her time to being a homemaker while her children were young. She then embarked on an entrepreneurial journey by establishing her own business to assist Veterans with their care. Her dedication and compassion towards supporting those who served their country will always be remembered. In 1994, Lavon retired from Citi Bank in Sioux Falls. Throughout her life, she found great joy in reading and had a reputation for being a practical joker who loved bringing happiness to others through thoughtful gifts. One of Lavon's proudest accomplishments was her advocacy for mental health awareness and animal rights.

Lavon will be deeply missed by her surviving family members: four children - Mike (Sue) Ganskop of Green River, WY; Jeff (Linda) Ganskop of Lake City, FL; Kyle (Pam) Ganskop of Omaha, NE; and Roxanne Ganskop of South Sioux City, NE. She is also survived by numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren who meant the world to her.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two grandsons: Christopher Ganskop and Phillip Ganskop; one great grandson, Aiden Ganskop; and four siblings: Aldean, Marcella, Sharon, and Eugene.

In honoring Lavon's memory, let us celebrate her love for her family, dedication to helping others, and vibrant spirit that touched all who knew her.

Private family services will be held. Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel assisted with arrangements.