Lonny LaVelle Haakonstad departed this world for his next heavenly journey on Sunday, February 8, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
Early Life & Education
Lonny was born on the 4th of July, 1956, in Boise, Idaho, to Clinton and Audrey Haakonstad. He was raised in Boise’s North End alongside his older brother Lynn and younger sister LoRee. He attended Whittier Elementary School, North Junior High, and graduated from Boise High School in 1974.
Warm, friendly, and genuinely kind, Lonny formed lasting friendships throughout his life. During his school years, he participated in marching and jazz band and was a devoted member of the MW Wood Chapter of DeMolay International. He often shared stories of his marching band’s senior trip to Los Angeles, where they performed during a Los Angeles Rams professional football game at the Rose Bowl.
Lonny was also a proud member of the Brotherhood of Freemasonry, achieving the level of Master Mason in the Boise City Lodge No. 93.
Military Service
After briefly studying at Boise State University, Lonny chose to follow in his brother’s footsteps and enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1975. After completing Basic Training in San Antonio, Texas, he was stationed at Luke Air Force Base in Glendale, Arizona. Upon completing his enlistment, he returned to Boise and worked for the Idaho Air Guard before eventually relocating to St. Petersburg, Florida.
While living in Florida, Lonny became a devoted Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan—supporting the team faithfully through both victories and rebuilding seasons.
Career & Interests
After returning to Boise, Lonny worked in various roles including inventory for Koppel’s Browseville, customer service for a building supply company, and as a machinist for Whiteman Industries. In 2002, he joined DirecTV, a position that suited him perfectly. As a true “people person,” Lonny loved entertainment—especially movies and Sunday Ticket football. He dedicated 20 years to DirecTV before retiring.
Lonny loved the outdoors, backpacking with friends in the Sawtooth Mountains, and traveling to the Oregon Coast with his beloved wife, Diane. He often described his name as meaning “Bold Lion,” a fitting tribute to his loyal heart and generous spirit.
Marriage & Family
Lonny married Diane Gasslein in 2019. They had been the best of friends for more than 25 years before marrying, building a relationship filled with laughter, companionship, and deep devotion. Lonny adored his nieces and nephews and cherished the fun, joyful memories they created together.
Those Who Preceded Him in Death
Lonny was preceded in death by his parents, Clinton and Audrey Haakonstad; his brother, Lynn Haakonstad; and his mother-in-law, Carol Gasslein.
Survived By
He is survived by his loving wife, Diane, of Boise; his sister LoRee Anderson (Tom) of Boise; nephews Michael Haakonstad, Russell Anderson, Michael Grossi, and Joseph Grossi; nieces Jordan Anderson, Taylor Anderson (Garrett Dick), and Mira Alexander; nephew William Alexander; sisters-in-law Laura Alexander and Gayle Michalowski (Sam); along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless dear friends.
Acknowledgment
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the dedicated staff at St. Luke’s Boise Medical Center for their compassionate care.
Services
A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, February 23, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Summers Funeral Home – Ustick Chapel,
3629 E. Ustick Rd., Meridian, Idaho.
A reception will follow the service.
Graveside services will be held at 2:30 p.m. at Cloverdale Cemetery,
1100 Cloverdale Rd., Boise, Idaho.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Lonny’s favorite charitable organization, or to the charity of your choice.
Lonny’s bold heart, unwavering loyalty, and joyful spirit will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.
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