Obituary
LaVonne Faith Cunningham (Barwald)
LaVonne Faith Cunningham (Barwald) went to be with the Lord on January 8, 2020 in La Crosse, WI at the age of 72. Her firm belief in God carried her through her life and now gives her family and friends a divine peace that she is resting with her Heavenly Father.
Faith is survived by her children Darin Cunningham (Leslie) of Franklin, WI; Debbie Marquez (Jeff) of Boise, ID; Dawn Cunningham of Sun Prairie, WI. She is also survived by her six grandchildren Jake, Sami, Alyssa, Dylan, Kaleab and Jaida; her niece JoLene Turk (Nick) and nephew Mike Nelson; and her best friend and beloved fur baby, Whisper. She is preceded in death by her significant other of 33 years, Richard “Dick” Knueppel; her parents Clarence and Luverna Barwald; and her two sisters, LaDonna Hudson and Shirley Noren.
Faith was born on June 9, 1947 in Rochester, Minnesota. She would always say that the best years of her life were spent raising her children. Her love and loyalty to her family was unlike any other. In her younger years, her passion for the Lord touched the hearts of many as she taught Sunday school and led her church’s Youth Group. Professionally, she worked 31+ years as a Medical Coding Specialist at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse. She thoroughly enjoyed her career and co-workers.
Faith was a vibrant and witty woman who would light up a room with her laughter and smile. She loved gardening and crafting and was passionate about her relationships with her family and friends. Her grandchildren were the apple of her eye as she cherished doting on them and celebrated their every success. She was genuine and nurturing to every soul she met, and rarely missed an opportunity to share the gospel.
The celebration of life is scheduled for Monday, January 13, 2020 at Rivers Harvest Church in Onalaska. The service begins at 4:00pm with a visitation the hour before, and a reception to follow. Pastor Andy LeFebre will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Faith’s life. In lieu of flowers, family requests that donations be sent to Rivers Harvest Church at 1001 Quincy St, Onalaska, WI 54650, to support the efforts of Faith’s greatest passion ~ leading others to the Lord.
I worked with Faith at Gundersen many years ago, she was one of the sweetest people I had ever met. Just know my thoughts and prayers are with all of you, she will be missed.
Faith – a joy and bright light for all around her.
Darin, Debbie, Dawn, family and friends. I am so sorry to hear of your mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. It was good to know you all and have you as neighbors for many years. Love, Lynette Neumann
Faith, was one of the most unique people I’ve ever met, she made such an impact in my life, I will never forget her. she will forever be in my heart. Hugs and prayers to her family.
My sincere condolences to the children I’m very shocked to hear of this faith and I were very good friends for many years wondering what took her to be with the Lord at such a young age thinking of you on this very sad day Karen Keim
Such a spirited person and wonderful soul. Not only a great neighbor, but a true friend. We will miss the frequent exchanges of smiling and laughter and helping each other out. She is the definition of a true neighbor. We trust that she will rest peacefully and watch over us with that contagious smile. Darren Kinder and Meghan Finch