Lavina Beth Risseeuw was born May 20, 1934 in Swett, South Dakota, to Antoinette (Vander Meer) and George Brill. She was delivered by her aunts without the aid of a physician. She grew up in the Lakeview, South Dakota area; graduated from high school on the "best birthday" she ever had, and on this same day she not only graduated but also became engaged to Don Risseeuw. Don and Lavina were wed on August 4, 1952 in Winner, South Dakota. They resided in the Lakeview area for the first few years of their marriage and then moved to Valentine, Nebraska, where they raised their five children. Lavina was a vastly talented woman. She worked as a telephone operator; owned and operated a Montgomery Ward Catalog Store for many years, and also owned the Mode O'Day for quite some time. She also worked in the deli at IGA and decorated cakes. She was especially fond of decorating birthday cakes for her grandchildren. She and Don loved to square dance and enjoyed this for several years. Lavina loved to capture memories and is remembered fondly for always carrying a camera and snapping photos. She loved to quilt and crochet. Lavina was a member of the United Methodist Church and drew much strength from her family and her faith, none more important than when diabetes claimed each of her legs in the later years of her life. Although she lost both of her legs, she was still vibrant and full of life and was often commented about regarding her optimistic personality.
Lavina was preceded in death by her parents, George and Antoinette Brill, and her brother, Vernon Brill. Lavina is survived by her children: LaDonna (Bob) Nelson of Valentine; Gwen (Dave) Canet of Chadron; Wes (Allison) Risseeuw of Estelline, SD; Wayne (Jean) Risseeuw of Valentine; and Joni (Scott) Roberts of Chadron; 19 grandchildren: Jess (Megan) Nelson; Trevor Nelson; Chad Nelson; Troy Nelson; Marcus Nelson; Sara Clyde, Steven Canet, Sam Canet, Chelsey (Eric) Elenkiwich, Ryan (Staci) Risseeuw, Austin Risseeuw, Allison Risseeuw, Douglas Risseeuw, Daniel (Ashley) Risseeuw, Kassi (Phillip) Mues, Jordan (Colby) Fletcher; Macy Roberts, Skylar Roberts and Brooks Roberts. She is also survived by 8 great-grandchildren: Eliana, Brylee, Carter, Anthony, Miels, Olive, Collins and Brooke.