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
