Jeffrey Allyn Lavik

Jeffrey Allyn Lavik, 78, a former resident of the Lindstrom area, passed away unexpectedly after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s on Sunday, August 10th, 2025. Jeff was born on February 13th, 1947, in Minot, ND to Alfred and Evelyn (nee Zaback) Lavik.

Jeff attended grade school at Immaculate Conception Catholic School in Columbia Heights and graduated from Columbia Heights High School in 1965. After graduation Jeff attended both Dunwoody and Anoka Ramsey Junior College. Jeff had a passion for planes, trains and muscle cars, working on his own vehicles, rebuilding engines, transmissions and even racing his own car at Minnesota Dragways in Coon Rapids, MN.

Jeff was a proud veteran of the United States Army, serving 2 tours of duty during the Vietnam War from September of 1966 to April of 1969. He attained the rank of Specialist Four E4 and served in the 6th Battalion, 56th Artillery unit during the war as a 16E Hawk FCC Operator. He was awarded multiple decorations and medals for his service including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device and the Army Commendation Medal for his meritorious service and dedication to his country even earning “Soldier of the Month” honors in April 1967.

After the war, Jeff started his family, having four children. He worked as a machinist and Tool and Die maker until his retirement. His hobbies included fishing, attending car shows, baking his famous donuts and later, his passion for health and wellness. He was beloved father and grandfather to his 10 grandchildren.

In his retirement, he moved to the Lindstrom area, where he lived out his final years serving in the honor guard for the Chisago County VFW and American Legion at parades and military funerals. He volunteered at local Chisago County nursing homes with his service dog, “Tank,” a pint-sized chihuahua, whom he carried in his jacket pocket while providing animal therapy to nursing home residents. Jeff was well known to the local downtown community of Lindstrom and played an active role in his community.

Jeff is preceded in death by his grandparents Jesse and Anna (nee Franke) Lavik, Martin and Mary (nee Fleming) Zaback; parents, Alfred and Evelyn (nee Zaback) Lavik and his sister, Joyce (nee Lavik) Tomboulian.

Jeff is survived by his life partner of 26 years, Andrea Gussner and their service dog “Tank”; his 4 loving children, Christine Lavik, Matthew (Jennifer) Lavik, Jennifer (nee Lavik) Lippold, and Alyssa Lavik; his 10 grandchildren, Madeleine, Emma, Austin, Lillian, Sophie, Peter, August, Marabelle, Brady and Cameron; and his sister, Laurene (nee Lavik) Harrison. His legacy of service, love, and dedication will forever be cherished by his family and friends.

Services will be held at the Sunset & Kapala-Glodek Chapel and Sunset Cemetery, 2250 St. Anthony Boulevard NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418. Evening visitation with open casket will take place on Thursday, August 21, 2025 from 5:00 - 8:00 pm. The visitation, funeral service and burial will take place on Friday, August 22, 2025: visitation from 10:00 - 11:00 am, funeral service from 11:00 am - 12:15 pm, burial, military honor service and luncheon to follow at VFW Post 230 at 4446 Central Ave NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Northwoods Humane Society of Chisago County at 651-982-0240 or https://northwoodshumanesociety-bloom.kindful.com/?campaign=1249500