LaVon Marie Kienast

LaVon Marie Kienast, 83, of Manassas, VA passed away on April 6, 2020 at home, surrounded by her loving family. She said, “I was born in a dust storm, so it’s fitting that I depart during a pandemic.” LaVon was born on May 14, 1936 in Keokuk, IA. She attended Keokuk Senior High School and married Frank Schmoldt, Jr in 1954. Lavon and Frank had three children together. She later married Harvey F. Kienast, father of five, in 1968; they stayed together for 15 years. LaVon viewed her family as her most cherished success. She loved her family, and always put family first. She enjoyed reading books to her grandchildren, and liked to tell them stories. Her grandchildren remember many long walks and vacations with her, and would regularly come to her for advice. She loved children, and treated everyone like family. She was always willing to talk, listen, counsel, or console anyone in need. Everyone remembers her sweet spirit and gentle smile. LaVon had a strong testimony of Jesus Christ. She was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and served in many capacities for her local congregation. She served in such roles as the Young Women’s President, Relief Society Counselor, and Primary Teacher. She spent over 30 years working in the health food industry. She started as a sales clerk at a health food store in Burlington, IA, and retired after managing a health food store in Manassas, VA. She was preceded in death by her parents Raymond and Frances Testman, her grandson Alan Schmoldt, and her stepdaughter Lori Kienast. She is survived by her children Debra (Tom) Wadden of Keokuk, IA; Craig (Ann) Schmoldt of Riverdale, MD; and Linda (Rick) Vargas of Manassas, VA; four stepchildren, Vickie Lee, Linda Virgin, Ronald Kienast, and John Kienast, all of Burlington, IA; her sisters Irene Shoemaker of Springfield, IL/Kansas City, MO and Carrie Anderson of Keokuk, IA; her grandchildren Shawn Mueller, Melissa Law, Sara Wadden, Ryan Kienast, LaVon Perkins, Miquela Miché, Antonio, Nico, and Karina Vargas; twenty great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be held in Manassas, VA and in Keokuk, IA at a later date. Date TBD.

LaVon Marie Kienast

May 14, 1936 - April 6, 2020