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Mavis Swanson

Posted By Ballard Sunder Funeral Home On September 21, 2018 @ 9:01 am In 2018,Obituaries | 11 Comments

WEB Mavis Swanson

Mavis Swanson, of Inver Grove Heights, passed away September 21, 2018 at the age of 90.

A visitation was held on Sunday, September 23, 2018 from 3:00 – 6:00 PM with a Remembrance Service at 5:30 PM. Funeral Service was Monday, September 24, 2018 at 11:00 AM with visitation one-hour prior. All services were held at Emanuel Lutheran Church (2075 – 70th Street East) in Inver Grove Heights. Pastors Tom Evans & Michael Mulso presiding. Mavis was laid to rest at Emanuel Cemetery and her granddaughters were her pallbearers.

Mavis was born to Joe & Clara Stangle on November 7, 1927. Growing up during the depression wasn’t easy, but Mavis quickly developed the skills to survive and thrive during difficult times. She was a wonderful sister to Gladys, Don & Mike. Mavis quickly learned that family was the most important thing in life. As a girl, Mavis saw a teacher bully her sister. She vowed at that moment that she would become a teacher and treat every child with kindness. She always looked out for the underdog and protected the ones she loved. She loved fiercely and always fought for what she believed in.

After high school, Mavis earned her teaching certificate from Mayville College. During that time, it was very hard for a woman from her social class to pursue work outside the home. But Mavis was determined to prove to her family and the world that she could do it. Mavis and her dear friend, Joyce got teaching jobs at a local schoolhouse. The previous teachers had been run off by the students, but they were up for the challenge. Mavis was a strict disciplinarian and ran a tight ship. After just a few months, she had things under control.

One night, Mavis and Joyce attended a local dance where Mavis met Vernon Swanson. On June 4, 1955 Mavis & Vern exchanged wedding vows. Mavis not only got a husband, but a daughter too. For the rest of her life, Mavis loved Pat as her own.

Mavis & Vern’s marriage was blessed with four more children, Wayne, Debbie, Lori & Jeff. They eventually moved down to the cities to raise their children. As a family the Swansons enjoyed time camping on their land in Mahnomen County. In 1967, they moved to Inver Grove Heights, and Mavis spent the next 50 years in that home.

In her spare time, Mavis helped coordinate clothing drives for missionaries in the Philippines. She enjoyed reading, attending ceramics class, collecting bird figurines, crocheting, quilting, embroidering and gardening. When grandkids arrived, Mavis started an in-home daycare. She cared for many children and taught them all that “Sharing is everything!” and “Good manners never go out of style.” All of Mamie’s daycare kids held a very special place in her heart. Mavis also sold Avon products and made many friends on her route.

In retirement, Mavis and Vern wintered in Mexico Beach, Florida. Mavis loved walking the beach, collecting sea shells. They also enjoyed senior bus trips and took a memorable three-generations trip to Italy.

Mavis had many hobbies, but family was everything to her. She was a good wife, wonderful mom and the BEST grandma. The whole crew frequently gathered in her backyard for pizza and family fun. As a grandma, Mamie was always ready with pancakes, finger jello or a chocolate-cherry bar. Her grandkids were always welcome in her home so long as they didn’t rough house by the china closet!

Later in life she began calling friends on their birthdays to share kinds words and special stories. Throughout her life, Mavis blessed so many people. She was not only the matriarch of her family, but she was a strong maternal figure for many. She was feisty and independent; a true women’s libber ahead of her time. Mavis was very opinionated, and you always knew where she stood. She was truly one of a kind. Mavis was loved by many and left an impression on all.

Mavis will be remembered by her children, Pat (Chuck) Flatten, Wayne (Holly) Swanson, Deb (Ted) Trenzeluk, Lori (Mark) Ballard, Jeff (Mary) Swanson; grandchildren, Tim, Eric (Yemisi), Mikalynn (Joel), Dylan (Brittany), Andrew (Renae), Kaidra (Greg), Evie (Emmanuel), Linnea (Justin), Madison, Eli, Izak, Tony (Ashley), Joe, Katie, Lindsey (Paul); Great-grandsons, Devin, Jacob, Charlie, Leo, Jack, Henry, Gavin, Parks & Grant; sisters-in-law, Phoebe Stangle & Pat Stangle; many nieces, nephews and other loving relatives & friends.

Mavis was greeted in Heaven by her husband, Vern; daughter-in-law, Susan; parents, Joe & Clara Stangle; siblings, Gladys (Tom) McCauley, Don Stangle & Mike Stangle.

Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation proudly serves the family of Mavis Swanson. www.BallardSunderFuneral.com

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Condolences for the family of “Mavis Swanson”

Condolence from Fanta/Rufus Battaforyen family on September 21st, 2018 3:29 pm

Thinking of you and wishing you peace and comfort as you remember your sweet mother… our deepest condolences to you and your love ones

Condolence from Dave and Linda Mayerhofer on September 21st, 2018 4:01 pm

So sorry for your loss. Hard to loose your parent. In our thoughts.

Condolence from Rick Kaufman and Linda Batterson on September 21st, 2018 4:35 pm

Prayers of comfort and peace and Mavis’ family grieves her passing. She’s provided wonderful memories and leaves a legacy of laughs. Keep the faith.

Condolence from Kim on September 23rd, 2018 2:26 pm

Your Mom/Grandma sounds like she was an absolutely wonderful person! This world needs more movers and shakers like your Mom/Grandma. Sending hugs and prayers to all of you.

Condolence from Cheryl Glodowski on September 23rd, 2018 4:13 pm

Mavis had such a special place in my heart. She was always gracious, sweet and kind. A great friend, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, we celebrate her life and rejoice in her new life with our Lord and friends and family who have gone before. Praying now for a peace to all in her passing as the many memories bring comfort.

Condolence from Doris Meyer on September 23rd, 2018 4:25 pm

My sympathy to the Swanson Family. Sue was a great Lady. I loved her from the first time I met her, such a dear Friend.

Condolence from Tina Langseth on September 23rd, 2018 7:29 pm

Deb and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about Mavis. I have such warm memories of her from when I was at the old house. She was always so welcoming and kindhearted.
Peace,
Tina (Jacovitch) Langseth

Condolence from MaryJean & Ed Lesko & Guenther Family on September 23rd, 2018 8:06 pm

Your Mom was a true Gem! May you find comfort in God’s love and in all memories of the wonderful times we all shared! With our deepest Sympathy for your loss.

Condolence from Teri Silvi on September 24th, 2018 2:49 pm

Mavis will always be a very special part of my life. Her, and Vern, taught me so much and were loved by us all. I think of my time with them often: playing with rabbits, making a mess in the sandbox or our daily walks picking up recycling along the way.

Sending love and well wishes to the family.

Condolence from Ballard Sunder Funeral Home on September 25th, 2018 10:45 am

Thanks for sharing, Teri. All of her daycare kids held a very special place in her heart.

Condolence from Lois Shuros on October 14th, 2018 3:39 pm

We just found out that “Mamie” has passed away. Your obituary of her was a wonderful story. Mavis was such as generous person, and we could not have found a better day care provider than Mavis was. While Kesley was still alive, she would talk fondly of Mamie and absolutely loved her buttered noodles! With our sincere sympathy in your loss! Lois and Warren Shuros

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