Mavis Syverson

On August 24, 1931, in a little log house on their farm, Mavis Anne was born to parents Gust and Mabel Foldoe. She was welcomed by sister Audrey and later little sister Linda joined the family. Mavis delighted in all things farm and country living; she learned early and well how to care for animals, milk the cows, garden, cook, bake and sew. She delighted her children with stories she told about those years; riding on the backs of work horses as they went out to the fields, accidentally starting the chicken coop on fire while playing house with her sister Audrey, and singing in the barn with her sister when they milked the cows by hand before heading off to school.

Mavis and her family attended Salem Lutheran church a few miles from their home. She went to school just down the road at Willowridge Country School until 8th grade. During her school years she enjoyed participating in 4-H, school activities, Sunday school and Luther League. She graduated from Plummer High School in 1948, and then went on to Teachers training in Red Lake Falls. Mavis stayed with her aunt and uncle on weekdays while she was there. In the early 1950’s, she taught at various country schools in the area, Sunnyside School north of McIntosh, Oakland and Erickson schools north of Fosston. She loved teaching, and to the end of her life had a special place in her heart for her former students. Her childrean and grandchildren enjoyed hearing the stories of her country-school teaching days. It was at Lindsay school, just northwest of Vernes Church, that she was practice teaching under her sister Audrey, where she met Edwin Syverson. They married in 1954 and first rented a farm north of Fosston. In 1959 they bought the farm where she lived for 65 years. There they raised their children, farmed, and planted many trees on their land. Mavis had many interests and skills. She taught and cared for her family well, and also served others by teaching Bible school, Sunday school and serving for many church events. She had a servant’s heart, and always helped out others in need when she could.

Mavis put her trust and faith in Jesus at an early age. Her faith was strong and steady, and her life-long desire was to honor God to the best of her ability throughout her life. Even as her body began to fail, and dementia took its toll, she would often have moments of clarity when she would exclaim ”God has been so good to me” and “I’m so thankful to have Jesus”. Many of her last moments of conscious interaction were conversations about heaven, and the joy on her face was apparent. It was her deepest desire that all her loved ones and those around her would come to know and love Jesus. Mavis passed away at the age of 92 at her home on April 5th, 2024. According to her wishes, she was buried in the Syverson family cemetery next to her beloved Edwin, under the trees they had planted many years earlier. 

Mavis was preceded in death by her husband Edwin, her parents Gust and Mabel, her mother and father in law Rudolph and Clara, her sister Audrey and brother in law Dennis Brinkman, her sisters and brothers in law Alvira and Archie Knutson, Clara and Roy Quam, Ardith Syverson, Francis Syverson, Doris Syverson, Anola and Laurie Finseth, Alan Syverson, Walter Syverson, Mary and Richard Loing, Norris Syverson, Rupert Syverson, Gordon and Christine Syverson, Elaine Syverson, her great grandson Stevie and other precious little pre-born ones in heaven. Also preceding her in death is Lance Anderson, a nephew who spent much time at the farm and had a special place in her heart. 

Mavis is survived by her sister Linda Anderson, her sisters in law Faith Hanson and Eleanor Syverson, children Mark (Betty) Syverson, Dale (Audrey) Syverson, Dawn (Jeff) Carpenter, Joel (Lila) Syverson, Faye (Pat) Riegert, Ronn (Janna) Syverson, Rose (Ray) Burpo. Grandchildren: Erin, Alaina, Matthew (Adrienne), Heidi (Tim), Daniel (Hannah), Micah (Katie), Jonathan (Heidi), Meg, Ryan, Augusta, Grant, Hannah (Dylan), Emily (Conrad), Isaiah, Elijah, Luke, Ross, Jack, Justin, Adam, Kathryn and Emma. 

Great-grandchildren: Andrew, Annalise, Tyler, Freddie, Valerie, Jimmie, Davie, Tommie, Christopher, Charlotte, Levi, Caleb, Aurora, William, Faithful, Edmund, Arlo, Opie, Ella, baby Kramer (due any day now) and baby Carpenter (due in September).

She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service of Mavis’ life will be held at Vernes Lutheran Church, rural McIntosh, on April 27th, 2024 at 11:00am. All are welcome.