VIRGINIA “GINA” J. LAKNER
Our beloved Mom passed away on Monday January 13, 2025. She was born in Butte, Montana on September 26, 1939. Her parents were Frank and Corinne Lovshin.
Gina graduated from Butte High in 1957. Following graduation she held various jobs at the telephone company, St. James Hospital and as a bus monitor for the Butte School District. She was a great daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother and has always provided love and support to all those around.
Gina was a loving and caring person. She was strong and strong willed – all would agree she was a little stubborn! She endured hardships with grace. Gina loved gardening and bird watching. Her flower gardens brought her so much joy – she especially loved her dahlias. All the birds that came into her yard were well fed and she delighted in seeing all the different varieties that visited her gardens. She loved playing cards including pinochle and canasta and was a competitive marbles player and she took great pleasure in taking your dollar bills when she won. In her younger days, she also enjoyed doing ceramics and toll painting. Gina had a sense for adventure and loved to travel. She traveled as far away as China, Mongolia, Italy, Turkey, Mexico, east coast to see the fall colors, and various places in the United States.
She is survived by her children, Leon Granvold, Lisa (Robert) Driscoll, Joseph (Kim) Granvold and Joy (Shawn) Orser; her grandchildren, David (Ashley) Driscoll, Matthew (Tayler) Driscoll, Jacob (Abby) Driscoll, Amandalyn Granvold, Jennifer Granvold, Meaghan (Dave) Weishoff, Virginia Orser and Calvin Orser; along with 14 great grandchildren, with another on the way; her brothers and sisters, Joe Lovshin, Louis “Bucky” (Linda) Lovshin, Phyllis “Tudy” (Jerry) Lynch, Nancy (“Frank”) Little, and Diane (Tom) Cannon; and almost sister Darlene “Duck” Salmonsen; her special friends Nancy Henderson, Paddy Wendt, Judy Finnegan and Mary and Bill Boone.
Gina was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Corinne Lovshin; her first husband, Leon Granvold; her second husband, Arthur Lakner; her beloved son, Artie J. Lakner; along with her sweet dogs Sadie, Brutus and Lexi.
Memorial services will be at the Butte Brewing Company, 465 E. Galena, Butte Montana from noon to 3:00 pm, with a private burial. Suggestions for memorials include Whitehall Volunteer Fire Department or Juvenile Diabetes Association.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Gina.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Gina and her family.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Monday January 20, 2025
Butte Brewing Company
465 E. Galena
Butte, Montana 59701
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Monday January 20, 2025
Butte Brewing Company
465 E. Galena
Butte, Montana 59701
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Theresa Dennehy says
Lisa and family, I’m sorry for the loss of your mother. It is tough. Treasure those memories. I’m sorry for her siblings- I know they were a close group. Bless you all.
Maureen Wright says
Our deepest condolences. I remember the beautiful ceramics your mom made and I have one I cherish from high school. I also remember her love of camping. Her family was everything to her. My heart goes out to you all.
Dan & Donna Orser says
Dear Joy and Shawn, Virginia and Calvin, Dan and I wish to convey our heart most condolences 💐 to you all at the loss of Gina. Sounds like she was a real joy and gift from heaven, and now God has taken her back to heaven! May all your memories of her give you the peace and joy you need at this time. Dan and Donna Orser. 🙏🙏🙏🙏
Marie parsons and Bill Hardy. says
My sincere condolences to the family, particularly to my dear friend Joy. Love from Bill and myself.
Barb Williams says
Please accept my sincere sympathy in the loss of your Mother and Grandmother. I know she was your rock and will be missed so much.
LeeAnna thomas says
May your soul find eternal peace, and
Your family and friend find comfort during
This difficult time.
The Proffits says
Joy and family, our deepest condolences for the loss of your mom. She was such an inspiration for the family. She is with the lord and will be looking in on all of you! Mark and Mari
Vanessa Maxted says
Sincere condolences from Vanessa and Darren, Jayden, Tayla and Fiona in Australia. Such a sad loss of an amazing woman. Sending love and hugs to you all at this very difficult time.
Charlene Warren says
Lovshin siblings – I am so very sorry to read of your sister’s passing. Sincere condolences 💜
Charlene LeProwse Warren
Tim and Kandi Little says
We are so very sorry for your loss. May your wonderful memories help you find comfort and peace.
Callie Villanueva says
I am honored and blessed to have known Gina through my daughter and son-in-law, David and Ashley Driscoll. It was always a pleasure to see her at different family gatherings. May her family find comfort and peace through this difficult time. Be still and know that God and Jesus Christ are with you all.
Chris Tucker says
Heartfelt condolences to Lisa, Leon, Joe, Joy, and family. Your mom and grandmother came from a wonderful family and created a wonderful one of her own. I know you will all miss her greatly. During high school, I too was the recipient of one of her lovely ceramics. I remember her fondly.
Felicia Driscoll says
Sending my love and condolences from Helena today. Gena was always so kind and sweet. I hope the lifetime of memories brings you comfort.
All our love,
Felicia (Pat) ❤️