LaVene Dvorak, age 75, of Jordan, died Thursday, April 7, 2016, peacefully at her home after complications following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer; she was proud of the fact that she had beaten the cancer but succumbed to complications following an infectious process.  She loved life and refused to believe that death was imminent, almost to the end.  LaVene was born October 11, 1940, in Manor, Georgia to J.B. and Alice L. (Waters) Harrell.    She was raised and educated in the Millwood, GA area.  She raised 4 children in various parts of the U.S., including Waycross, GA, Anchorage, AL, Jacksonville, FL, and Seattle, WA.  On December 23, 1974, LaVene moved to Minnesota after she married Joseph R. Dvorak in Waycross, GA.  She worked for 30 years as a records coordinator at the Minnesota Women’s Correctional Facility in Shakopee.  LaVene was an active member of the United Methodist Women’s group.  She loved crocheting and crossword puzzles but her highest priority was time with family and her grandchildren.

LaVene is survived by her husband, Joe of Jordan; children, Jeff (Patty) Spicer of New Prague, Glen (Diane) Spicer of Oakdale, MN, Vanessa Spicer (Rick Schaeppi) of St. Paul, Hope (Dale) Tiedeken of Jordan, Don (Eileen) Dvorak of Esko, MN; sister, Jakey (Wilford) White of Axson, GA; brother, Brian Harrell of Waycross, GA; 9 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren.  She is preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Elizabeth, John William, Marie, Gary, & Larry.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, April 12, 2016, at Zion United Methodist Church in Lydia, MN at 11:00 AM with Pastor Larry Kasten officiating.  Visitation will take place 1 hour prior to service also at church.  Lunch will follow immediately after the service at church.  Burial will occur at a later date in Georgia.