Vickie LaVenture

Vickie Ann LaVenture (Hirsch), 79, of Verona and formerly of Colby, passed away Wednesday, March 4, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, service, and deep love for her family and community.

Vickie Ann Hirsch was born April 11, 1946, in Scotland, South Dakota, to Victor J. Hirsch and Margaret Ruth "Ruth" Hubbard. After Ruth’s passing, her sister Helen lovingly stepped in and became the adoptive mother to Ruth's six children.

Vickie graduated from Scotland High School in 1964. She continued her education with business school and went into banking. She eventually moved to Greeley, Colorado, where she earned her Special Education teaching degree from the University of Northern Colorado. In 1975 she moved to Colby, Wisconsin, to begin her teaching career, where she met her future husband, Kenneth John LaVenture, who was also a teacher. The two were married on July 1, 1977, in Somerset, Wisconsin.

Vickie dedicated her career to education as a special education teacher, working tirelessly to empower her students to see their full potential. Her passion for learning extended beyond the classroom. She also taught English as a Second Language (ESL) and helped students earn their HSED, believing strongly in the power of education to change lives.

She was an active member of her church choir and found great joy in music and fellowship.

Above all else, Vickie was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She rarely missed a sporting event, performance, or activity and was always her family’s biggest supporter. She was a constant and enthusiastic cheerleader at her children’s sporting events growing up. Her passion for her daughters’ interests was visible in the time she spent creating mementos and documenting their volleyball endeavors. She could also spend endless amounts of time playing with her grandchildren and creating projects for them.

Her interest in and connection to her Irish and Scottish roots led her on multiple trips to the Emerald Isle and Scottish lochs and glens to meet family, explore genealogy records, listen to traditional music, and take in the sights. She enjoyed writing poetry and telling stories, often looking back at notes and cards from students and friends and sharing the fond memories they brought.

Vickie also loved to sew, knit, and crochet, sharing homemade gifts of appreciation with the many people who touched her life in meaningful ways.

After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, Vickie spent 20 years adapting to its challenges with courage and determination. Even as the illness progressed, she found joy and beauty in the activities she could still enjoy. She joined a Parkinson’s boxing group, gaining both strength and camaraderie within this community while embracing her new physical challenges.

Vickie was admired for her gentle strength, powerful love, and humorous spirit. She was smart, quick-witted, and curious, always wanting to learn more and connect with people. She had a remarkable ability to make friends anywhere. Whether on an airplane or standing in a grocery store line, she often walked away with new friends.

She was the glue that held her family together, checking in with loved ones, scheduling chats, and genuinely making time to be present with everyone.

Survivors include her husband, Ken LaVenture; daughters Mary LaVenture and Kathryn (Peter) Nelson; sister Susan (Danny) Smeins; brother Dr. Victor Hirsch II; sister Mary Higgins; two grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Through countless small acts of kindness, she stitched beautiful memories into the lives of those around her. She was truly an accomplished woman who made life richer for everyone who knew her. She will always be cherished and she will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to local education, knitting, or Parkinson's programs or organizations. Condolences may be shared with the family directly.

Boxing photo courtesy of Dave Giroux.