Leanna J Mavis

Leanna J. Mavis, 85, of Fergus Falls, died Thursday, January 28, 2016, at Pioneer Memory Care Center in Erskine, MN.

Leanna was born on August 21, 1930 in Ossian, IA., the daughter of Jacob and Laura (Kleppe) Walvatne. Leanna’s mother, Laura, died on August 29, 1930 eight days after Leanna was born therefore Leanna and her siblings were raised by her step-mother, Agnes (Nelson) Walvatne. The family moved to rural Underwood in 1931, where she attended school.

On October 12, 1951, she married Lawrence Mavis at Zion Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls.

Leanna had a servant’s heart and her faith was very important to her. She was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls, where she served with the Women’s Ministry for many years.

Leanna was an avid gardener along with Lawrence. With vegetables, fruit and flowers; she spent countless hours planting, weeding, harvesting and processing the produce. She enjoyed birdwatching, especially the hummingbirds. Crocheting, knitting and sewing special keepsakes for her children and grandchildren, was a delight for her. She was a great cook and loved to bake. Lefse and flatbread were her specialties during the holidays. She loved playing games; especially Aggravation and Rook, with family and friends, and took it quite seriously. Most precious to her, was the time spent with her children and grandchildren.

Preceding her in death were her parents; step-mother, Agnes Walvatne; husband, Lawrence, who died in 2014; son, Steven; brothers, Clifford, who died in infancy, Russell, Ernest, Art Walvatne and sister, Frances Walvatne.

Survivors include her children, Dale (Diana) Mavis of Mustang, OK, Terri (Gregg) Tangeman of Willmar, MN, Scott (Sue) Mavis of Fargo, Dean (Becky) Mavis of Fergus Falls; daughter-in-law, Pat Mavis of Fergus Falls; 15 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation: 9:30-11 a.m. Tuesday at Bethel Lutheran Church, Fergus Falls
Service: 11 a.m. Tuesday, February 9, 2016 at Bethel Lutheran Church, Fergus Falls, MN
Clergy: Reverend Ed Monson
Burial: Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery, Fergus Falls, MN
Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls, MN

Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com