LaVonne Lynn (Upmann) Burke Beloved nurse, mother, sister, and friend.

LaVonne Lynn (Upmann) Burke, age 54, of Lena, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home in the morning of July 13, 2025. She was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer four months ago, but lived every day to the fullest, even with her diagnosis.

When LaVonne was a child, she would often get close to wild animals. She saved countless birds, bunnies, and raccoons along the way. When she chose nursing as her career, she pursued it with gusto. She loved caring for others, making them laugh, and encouraging them. She made a real difference every day, caring for people who sometimes had no one to care for them.

LaVonne lived a life marked by compassion, perseverance, and deep devotion to people. She had one son, David Burke, and was proud of the man he became. Their bond was unshakable, and he remained the light of her life. David would often say, "Mom even taught me how to shave. Mom did so much for me."

LaVonne earned her nursing degree from Highland Community College with a perfect 4.0 GPA, all while working full-time and raising David. Her path to nursing was not easy, but she followed her calling with determination and grace. Prior to her nursing career, LaVonne worked at Mitek and Dura from 1993 until 2004. Her journey began as a CNA at the Stockton Nursing Home and continued as an LPN in 2006. From 2006 to 2012, she served at the Lena Nursing Home as a floor nurse, wound care nurse, and nurse case manager. She later worked at Sterling Nursing Home (2012–2014) and then served with Stephenson County (2014–2019), before retiring due to her disability.

What others might have seen as a setback, LaVonne turned into a new beginning—her strength, resilience, and courage inspired all who knew her.

She served as a deacon at the First Presbyterian Church of Apple River in early adulthood, where she also played the organ for services on occasion. She played five musical instruments and enjoyed singing. During the last few months of her life, she often broke into song, and whoever was near, joined right in.

LaVonne was married to Andy Burke for 21 years. After his passing in 2014, she found true and steady love with Alan Lutz. Over the past 11 years, LaVonne and Alan built a joyful life together in Lena, filled with laughter, partnership, and unconditional support. Together, they shared their home with two beloved English bulldogs, Maizy Mae and Dyna, and made countless cherished memories.

She is survived by her son, David Burke (Laura) of Kansas City, Missouri; her father, Willard Upmann of Warren, and his wife Charlene; her sister, Laura (Upmann) Gallagher of Fitchburg, Wisconsin and Apple River, Illinois; her niece and nephew, Logan Geisking and Tristan Geisking of Madison; and her longtime partner, Alan Lutz of Lena. LaVonne also leaves behind their two cherished English bulldogs, Maizy Mae and Dyna, and Alan's grandmother, "Grandma" Rosemary Lutz, who held a special place in her heart.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Andy Burke; her mother, Donna Upmann; her maternal grandparents, Laverne, Marian, and Babe (Jules) Gallagher; and paternal grandparents Margaret and Joseph Upmann.

LaVonne will be remembered for her quick wit, sweetness, warmth, and unwavering love and dedication. She found joy in gardening, cooking, playing board games, visiting the zoo, and being with friends and family. She had a lifelong love for animals and loved to travel with Alan, with the Cayman Islands being their favorite destination. Whether it was Colorado, Florida, Sturgis, Branson, or the Wisconsin Dells, LaVonne brought a sense of fun and adventure to every trip—she was always the first one in the pool, even when it was only 50 degrees. Apple Canyon Lake held a special place in her heart.

LaVonne spent her final days at home, cared for with devotion by LaVonne's partner Alan, her sister, Laura, her Dad, and countless friends of theirs, including several close friends from her nursing career. So many gave selflessly to LaVonne to allow her to be at home during the last few months. A special thank you to FHN Hospice for their compassionate care, guidance and support. Your care made a difference.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Lena Community Center on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 11:00 am. A visitation will be held from 9:00 am until the time of service. Bring your stories—after the celebration of life a lunch will be served, and we'll honor LaVonne with an Irish toast. Pastor Libby Rutherford will be officiating.

Cremation Rites have been accorded.

A memorial fund has been established in her honor.

Slán go fóill – goodbye for now, LaVonne. Bí saor - Be free. You are so loved.