Lavina Nellie Sewalson passed away peacefully at her home in Sioux City, surrounded by her loved ones, on August 12, 2018. Funeral Service will be held 10:00 am, on Thursday, August 16, 2018 at Waterbury Funeral Service of Sioux City with Rev. Del Olivier officiating. Burial to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service on Thursday at the funeral home.

Lavina was born on September 26th, 1931 to Charles and Selma Gries in Grant Center, Iowa. She moved to Sioux City as a teenager, and on June 2, 1950, Lavina was married to Donald Eugene Sewalson. They built a home in Sioux City, and throughout the years raised six children together. They had a happy, successful marriage until Don’s death in 1983. Lavina worked at Interbake Foods for 25 years and developed numerous life-long friendships with her co-workers during this time. She also was a long-time member of Augustana Lutheran church in Sioux City. Lavina met Claire Thompson, who became her companion for the next 32 years of her life. They enjoyed many fishing trips together, as well as countless nights of country music, dancing and socializing at The Eagles Club and the Senior Center.

Lavina led a very active and wholesome life and was seldom idle. She was the cornerstone of the family and held numerous family gatherings at her home that kept the family connected. Lavina never shied away from being around her grandchildren and took every opportunity to have her great-grandchildren come visit. She loved teaching them how to cook and bake. Lavina was always willing to go the extra mile to help a friend or family member in need, and she loved everyone unconditionally. She was adored by her family, who share many loving memories of their time with her. She will be remembered for her beautiful smile, her constant love, and her many stories about life. We are all better people because Lavina was in our lives, and we must now figure out how to navigate life without her in it. Her legacy will continue through the lives of her beloved family.

Those left to honor her memory include her children and grandchildren: Allan Sewalson, his wife Virginia and their son Byron Sewalson; Karen Meloy, her sons Nathan Bosworth and Sean Meloy and her daughter Desiree Sorenson;  Pamela Patton, her daughters Jessica Peterson, Naomi Smith, Dr. Amy Sanford, Rachael Smith, Emily Meyers and her son Kevin Sanford; Gunnar Sewalson and his sons Chris Sewalson, Eric Sewalson, Brandon Sewalson and Greg Sewalson; Donald Sewalson, wife Debbie, son Matthew Sewalson, and their daughters Kristine Sewalson and Alisha Lourens; David Sewalson and his daughters Kelsey Sewalson, Haley Sewalson and Kirsten Sewalson; and her 27 great-grandchildren.

Lavina was preceded in death by her parents, husband Donald, four brothers, and her grandson, Aaron Sewalson.