LaVila Imm

LaVila Sodke Imm died peacefully under Minnesota Hospice Care on July 4 at Kingsley Shores Senior Living community, Lakeville, MN.

LaVila was born in Wausau, March 18, 1927, to the late Walter and Elisa Sodke.Her father built a small farm in Rib Falls, WI, where she lived the first 14 years of her life. She attended schools in Marathon, Rib Falls and Wausau. One of the happiest days of her life was the day the family moved to Wausau. She loved what city life had to offer. This included learning to dance the Foxtrot, the popular dance of the era.

On June 8, 1946 at a Veterans Homecoming Dance at Marathon Park, Milton Imm saw her dance and was smitten. LaVila and Milt married on May 7,1949, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Stewart Avenue. The couple was very active at Trinity throughout the years. They sang in the choir and also served as youth counselor’s together for 12 years. Lavila also spent many years teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School.

Outside of the church she taught Child Evangelism and operated a daycare in her home. She loved to bake cakes for birthdays and anniversaries and also textile painted many dish towels for gifts. Photography was also a great love and she has filled many photo albums. During this era photo portraits were all in black and white and she set up her own little business tinting portraits with oil paint.

LaVila and Milton were married 68 years at the time of his death in March 2018. He was the love of her life. She is survived by her brother Donald (Gaye) Sodke, Lake Forest, Il., and Luean Sodke Auslund, Lakeville, MN., who has cared for her the last three years in Lakeville, MN. LaVila adored her nieces and nephews: Jonathan (Karen) Sodke, Adair (Brian) Spencer, Stephanie (Brian) Schroeder, Bruce (Julie) Hecksel, Angela (Thomas) Szanajda and Amanda (Ryan) Boe and extended family and friends.

The funeral service for LaVila will be at 11:00 AM on Friday, July 9 at Helke Funeral Home.  Pr. Dave Mahler will officiate.  Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until the time of service at the funeral home on Friday.  LaVila will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery, Village of Maine.  Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements; you may sign out family guestbook at helke.com.