LaVaun Tvenstrup

Jul 23, 1934 -

Dec 20, 2024

Mrs. LaVaun Johanna (Groth) Tvenstrup; Granee T. was born on July 23, 1934, in Nome, N.D., to Clarence and Olga Groth, one of five children. LaVaun grew up in Nome. In 1955, she married the love of her life, Robert Jens Tvenstrup and had two children, Susan and Steve. In 1956, they made the move to Alaska.

She acquired the title of "Granee" from her first grandson and the spelling from her first granddaughter before she made it to learning about "y." It wasn't long before she would simply introduce herself as Granee and that is the only way many people knew her. Granee was a known prankster and enjoyed entertaining herself and others by orchestrating confusion and chaos. However, she would always try to find thoughtful and hospitable ways to create lifelong friendships with many people near and far. Her home in Anchorage, Alaska, was lovingly known as "Granee's Hotel." People could call on Granee at any time, day or night, she was always available to care. She devoted a lot of time and energy to her prayer line community. She was able to remain in her home for many years thanks to the care, support, and concern of her neighbors, friends and family. Her family would like to extend a sincere "thank you" to the Anchorage community that cared for our Great-Granee and her home.

After celebrating 90 trips around the sun, Granee passed away, cozy and peacefully, of natural causes in Sterling, Alaska, on Dec. 20, 2024. She wanted the world to know that she loves you very much. Granee will forever be in the hearts of those who knew her, causing mischief and joy.

She was preceded in death by husband, Robert J. Tvenstrup; parents, Clarence and Olga Groth; brothers, Leroy, Vernie and Gary Groth; sister, Elenor Schroeder.

Surviving relatives include: daughter, "Sue" Susan Best (Jim Best) of Alaska; son, Steve Tvenstrup (Karen Craig) of Alaska/Arizona; grandchildren, Mark Best (Laura Best), Lisa (Best) Hunt (Lance Hunt) and Katelynn Craig, all of Alaska; Chad Anderson of Canada; Ryan Anderson of Canada; great-grandchildren, Haven Best, Mason Best, Gavin Hunt, Eliana Best, Nyomi Hunt; many nieces, nephews and countless loved ones who she collected and cared for, who were also counted as family.

Her Funeral Service will be a public event and held June 9, 2025, at 12:30 p.m., at Anchorage Funeral Home, 1800 Dare Avenue in Anchorage. Flowers are welcome at the service; Granee loved flowers, especially silk ones and purple carnations.

She will be laid to rest at 2 p.m., at Angelus Memorial Park Cemetery.

For more information, please call Sue Best: 907-262-1446.