Lefse Brings Together Three Generations at VVH

Residents of Valley View Home had a treat on Dec. 3, when the Lefse Ladies stopped by with ingredients and supplies to make lefse. The Lefse Ladies, comprised of Myrna Lauckner, her daughter, Gwyn Funk, granddaughters Teonna Funk, Tori Arnold and Kelcey Arnold, and other volunteers, rolled, fried and buttered over 200 lefse which were provided to residents throughout the building. "It was such a fun time," said Lauckner.

Every year for close to 30 years, Lauckner, with a changing team of volunteers as well as her family, come to Valley View the first Monday in December to make the delicious treat. The event started with three friends, Lauckner, Mildred Nickels and Vera Terry, deciding to get together to make lefse for the residents. "We have always liked lefse, and had friends who were residents at Valley View who also liked lefse, so we decided to just do it," said Lauckner. As years have gone by, Lacukner has been able to recruit other volunteers, including her family. "It was a lot to roll, fry and butter the lefse with just three of us," exclaimed Lauckner.

This year, daughter Gwyn helped roll, granddaughter Kelcey helped fry, while granddaughters Tori and Teonna helped as needed. "It's so great being able to share this with my daughter and granddaughters. It's one of the few times we are able to get together and do some Christmas baking," said Lauckner. Teonna, who is 11, has been a part of the event ever since she could walk, while Tori and Kelcey have been helping out for roughly 10 years, off and on as their work schedules allow. "It's such a wonderful tradition that we like to carry on. They look forward to the planning and event as much as I do!," explained Lauckner.

As much fun as Lauckner and her team of volunteers have making the lefse, the residents enjoy eating it just as much. They can not get enough of the treat, even reminiscing about their own experience of making it with their friends and family. "It's such a privilege to be able to do this for them and hear their stories." said Lauckner.

A lot has changed for the Lefse Ladies over the past 30 years, but Lauckner still loves coming to Valley View, being able to spend time with her family and residents while making lefse at the Home. "I always walk away feeling great that I brought happiness and cheer to the residents. I cherish the time I was able to spend time with them," she said.