LaVonne "Mitzi" Keuter

LaVonne “Mitzi” Keuter was born March 18th, 1935, to Lowell and Leonna Shaffer in Mason City Nebraska. Mitzi was the oldest of three girls, Carol and Marilyn.

Preceded in death by her husband of 49 years Edwin L. Keuter who passed away in February 2013 after a long battle with Multiple Sclerosis.

Survived by her three children, Lynn (Don) Papillion, NE, Greg (Susan) Gilbert, AZ, Allison (Mark), Overland Park, KS; six grandchildren; three great grandchildren; as well as her loving partner, Jim White.

Ed and Mitzi came to Nebraska as the result of a successful military career where Ed served 22 years in the USAF as a B-52 navigator including two tours in Thailand. He also served as the Squadron commander for 55th Avionics Squadron in Minot, ND and retired as a Lt. Colonel while stationed at SAC headquarters, Offutt AFB.

After Ed's successful military career, Mitzi and Ed pursued her passion for health by opening Diet Centers in Papillion, Bellevue, Lincoln, and Blair. Mitzi spent 25 years helping others achieve their health goals. Mitzi was not all work and was able to travel to Century City California, Sun Valley Idaho, and go on cruises through her Diet Center franchise ownership.

As Ed’s primary caregiver for 30 years Mitzi was always close to home. She was able to explore her passion for “giving back” through volunteer organizations such as St. Columbkille’s Knights of Columbus, St. Vincent De Paul thrift store and assistance programs, plus many more.

Mitzi loved to travel and when she could get away, she included her family. Memorable trips include Spain with her three granddaughters; Aunna, Meghann, and Elizabeth; travels with her sister Carol Turner to Alaska, New York, and European countries. Mitzi visited her daughter Allison on numerous occasions antique shopping in Kansas City, Lake of the Ozarks, and Arkansas. In the Fall of 2017, they visited Mackinac Island in Michigan which was a lifelong wish for both.

Mitzi moved to the Grand Lodge Retirement home in 2016 and enjoyed her golden years continuing her volunteer work. While at the lodge, she met her loving partner, Jim White. Jim and Mitzi immediately made a connection and made a commitment to one another in September 2018.

Mitzi and Jim traveled over the next 2 years visiting Virginia, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, New England and cruising the Danube River in Europe. In 2020 when life changed for everyone due to COVID, Mitzi and Jim had each other. Jim cared for Mitzi in her last years, moving with her to Mable Rose and the Cottages where Jim sat with her all day every day, ensuring she received the best care.

The family appreciates everyone’s thoughts and prayers in this difficult time.

VISITATION Thursday, May 1, 2025, from 5:00-7:00 PM with ROSARY starting at 7:00 PM at Kahler-Dolce Mortuary, Papillion, Nebraska.

FUNERAL MASS Friday, May 2, 2025, at 10:30 AM at St. Columbkille Catholic Church, Papillion, Nebraska.

BURIAL to follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Omaha, Nebraska.

In lieu of flowers, memorials suggested to MS Society or St. Vincent De Paul.