Lonny LaVelle Haakonstad, 69, departed this world for his next journey in heaven on Sunday, February 8, 2026, with his family by his side. He was born on the 4th of July 1956 in Boise, ID to loving parents Clinton and Audrey Haakonstad. He was raised in the North End along with his older brother Lynn and his younger sister LoRee. He attended Whittier Elementary School, North Junior High School and graduated from Boise High School in 1974. Lonny, so warm, caring and friendly, fostered many long-lasting friendships throughout his life. This includes his participation in band (marching and jazz) and as a devoted member of the MW Wood Chapter of DeMolay International. He enjoyed sharing his early adventures including his marching band’s Senior trip to Los Angeles, where they played during a Ram’s professional football game at the Rose Bowl. Lonny was a proud member in the Brotherhood of Freemasonry, achieving the level of Master Mason in the Masonic Order, Boise City Lodge 93. After his graduation from high school, Lonny studied at Boise State University but ultimately made the decision to follow in his brother Lynn’s footsteps by enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1975. Following completion of Basic Training in San Antonio, TX, he was stationed at Luke Air Force Base in Glendale, AZ. After he completed his enlistment, Lonny returned to Boise and worked at the Idaho Air Guard for a few years until he made the decision to relocate to St. Petersburg, FL. It was at this time that Lonny became a devoted Tampa Bay Buccaneers football fan (through thick and thin). He later moved back to Boise, working inventory for Koppel’s Browseville, serving customers for a building supply company and then as a machinist for Whiteman Industries. He was hired by DirecTV in 2002, which was a wonderful fit for Lonny because he was a “people person” and enjoyed entertainment, especially movies and Sunday Ticket football. He worked for the company for 20 years, until his retirement. He married his loving wife, Diane Gasslein, in 2019. They were the best of friends for over a quarter of a century. Lonny adored his nieces and nephews and created memories filled with fun and laughter. He loved nature, going backpacking with friends in the Sawtooth’s and traveling to the Oregon Coast with Diane. Lonny would often describe his name as meaning “Bold Lion” which is fitting for a man who had a loyal heart of gold and is greatly loved by so many whose lives he touched.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at St. Luke’s Boise Medical Center, who provided the best of care for Lonny.

He is survived by his wife, Diane, of Boise; his sister LoRee Anderson and her husband Tom of Boise; nephew Michael Haakonstad of KS; nephew Russell Anderson of Boise; niece Jordan Anderson of Boise; niece Taylor Anderson and her fiancé Garrett Dick of Boise; sister-in-law Laura Alexander, niece Mira Alexander and nephew William Alexander of Nashville, TN; sister-in-law Gayle Michalowski and her husband Sam of Rutherford, NJ, and nephews Michael Grossi and Joseph Grossi, of Elizabeth, NJ; plus numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and countless friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Clinton and Audrey Haakonstad; his brother, Lynn Haakonstad; and mother-in-law, Carol Gasslein.

Celebration of Lonny’s life will be held on Monday, February 23, 2026, 11:00 am, at Summers Funeral Home, Ustick Chapel, 3629 E. Ustick Rd., Meridian, ID. A reception will be held after the service. Graveside service will follow at 2:30 pm, Cloverdale Cemetery, 1100 Cloverdale Rd., Boise, ID. In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which was Lonny’s favorite charitable organization – or the charity of your choice.