Bob & LaVonne Danzl Family Memorial Scholarship

The Bob and LaVonne Danzl Family Memorial Scholarship is given in honor of their son Mark Danzl, who was a BHS graduate. Mark had his master’s degree from Moorhead State University and was a school psychologist in the Little Falls area at the time of his early death at 32 years old.

This award is given to a student who exhibits service to their community and who is planning to pursue their education at Central Lakes College. Faith, family and community, along with a little fun everyday, guided the lives of Bob and LaVonne Danzl. After the death of her husband in May 1999, LaVonne continued to serve her family, her church and the community of Brainerd.

Bob and LaVonne met in St. Cloud, Minnesota, and married in 1950. They began raising their family in the Pantown area of St. Cloud before moving to Brainerd. Bob worked at Thelen Heating and Roofing for many years while LaVonne stayed home to raise their seven children. Bob was an avid golfer, reader and bow hunter. LaVonne enjoys hand quilting, reading and volunteering. Robert “Bob” Danzl married LaVonne Habstritt on Sept. 9, 1950 and had seven daughters and one son. He worked in the sheet metal trade throughout his life. Bob was employed as a sheet metal estimator for Thelen Heating and Roofing in Brainerd. He was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, Elks, Eagles and Moose clubs, LOE and the Minnesota Friends of the Orphan North.

Bob was always interested in helping students get into a tradesman’s job of their choice. After his death, LaVonne, with their family and a dedicated group of friends, over a period of nine years raised the scholarship money by hosting annual golf tournaments very successfully. The proceeds are divided among students each school year that are entering a trade program at Central Lakes College in Brainerd or Staples.

After Bob’s death, LaVonne chose to start this scholarship fund. LaVonne believes the fund serves as a way to continue Mark and Bob’s generous spirit . Along with their giving from the fund at the Brainerd Public Schools Foundation, the LaVonne also provides many scholarships to students at Central Lakes College. Lavonne, her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren continue Mark and Bob’s beautiful lives by using their fund to support those in need. The values of faith, family and community, along with a little fun, live on.

LaVonne passed away in 2022, but their generous legacy lives on.