LaVonne Elaine Turk

LaVonne Elaine “Pinky” Turk, 82, of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, passed away on March 10, 2026, at Luther Hospital.

Born on April 27, 1942, LaVonne was married for 63 years to the love of her life, Roger Turk. She is survived by her children Robin Tainter, Rodney (Lynn) Turk, Ronnette (Matt) Nelson, Rochelle (Rick) Back, and Roxann (Scott) Crotty; her brothers LaRoy (Elizabeth) Oium and LaGene Oium; her sister LaRayne (Steve) Gospodar; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. She was especially proud to be grandmother to more than 60 grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in her heart.

She was preceded in death by her husband Roger Turk, her parents Henry and Lillian Oium, her in-laws Doris and Elmer Turk, her son-in-law Bryan Tainter, and several brothers and sisters.

LaVonne lived a life centered on faith, family, and love. She worked as a bank clerk and service clerk, and was a gifted seamstress known for her beautiful beadwork and bridal wear. Yet her greatest joy was being a mother and grandmother. She loved sewing, gardening, crocheting, watching the Brewers, serving at church, playing cards, and cheering on her children and grandchildren. She had a deep affection for animals, especially birds, and she and Roger spent many happy hours driving their side-by-side around the property, scattering corn for their feathered friends. Known as Grandma Pinky, she filled her home with photographs of her grandchildren, created holiday traditions filled with laughter and playful mischief, and offered warm wisdom and encouragement to everyone who knew her. Her nurturing spirit was so strong that many simply called her Mom.