LeNora Sawvell

LeNora Gerene Sawvell was born on September 28th, 1938 in Postville, Iowa to George O. and Nora (Johnson) Larson. She became an angel on January 22, 2021. She was married to the love of her life, Paul R. Sawvell on December 3, 1966 in Vermillion, SD. They had four daughters, Pamela (Paul) Woodson of East Troy, WI, Paula (Chris) Grau of Oakdale, MN, Geri Sawvell of Fayette, IA and Patricia (Dean Hayes) Sawvell of Cedar Rapids, IA. 

Gerene was baptized on November 11, 1938, confirmed on June 6, 1954 and graduated from high school on May 23rd, 1957. She took a job at Gamble Robinson Wholesale Co. in Waterloo, IA as a bookkeeper until 1967. Gerene lived her life every day by the golden rule and always treated everyone the way she wished to be treated. She raised her girls and numerous other children in her home daycare. She was active in her church as a Sunday School teacher and council member. She held several offices in Lutheran Women's Missionary League at her home church, and in the Westgate Zone. She was a long time member of the Palmer Hospital Auxiliary, and knitted baby caps, which she donated to the hospital for many years.

Gerene had six grandchildren, Bethany, Bailey, Brody and Brogan Woodson and Mara and Maxwell Grau. She never failed to show up for them. She was always happy to attend all of their activities, from the least to the greatest. She loved gardening, baking, knitting, walking and playing Yahtzee (Yi-Hoo!). She had a huge love of all sports, but especially cheered on the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Gerene is survived by her children and grandchildren, a sister, Karen Dunlap and two brothers, George Larson, Jr and Larry Larson. She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Rose Tanner and her husband, Paul. 

A private service will be held for Gerene at West Clermont Lutheran Church with a Celebration of Life at a later date. She will be interred at God's Acre's in Clermont, IA. Memorials preferred to the American Heart Association.

As for those of us who loved her, our hearts are broken.