Mavis was born in Pope County, Minn., to Knute Midel and Mabel Monson and after her mother passed when Mavis was only three years old, she was raised by her devoted Aunt and Uncle, Millard and Olga Monson on a farm outside Sunburg, Minn. Her journey began in the rural countryside of Swift County, Minn. where she attended country school, before graduating from Kerkhoven High School in 1951. Her vocal talent was acknowledged with numerous awards.

Mavis met the love of her life, Harland Anderson, while working at the Federal Reserve Bank in Minneapolis. They married on Aug. 7, 1954, in Sunburg, Minn. Their union spanned nearly 72 years with many blessings. Together, they moved to Fairmont, where Mavis embraced her role as a devoted mother to their children: Keith, Mary, Dory, and Daniel. Her family grew to include 15 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, each of whom brought her immense joy and pride.

Mavis’ career was driven by her love for children. She developed a nursery school in her home which blossomed into a daycare. Her nurturing spirit was also extended into her Sunday School programs and teaching involvement. Her community involvement included being an active member of the Evangelical Free Church with choir and women’s groups, Garden Club, Mozart Marching Society musical group, and Fairmont Concert Association.

Mavis was an accomplished gardener, seamstress, crafter, knitter and vocalist. She especially loved her roses, butterflies and Cardinals. Friends and family were often blessed by her homemade gifts or a vase of her flowers.

She is survived by her loving husband Harland, her children Keith (Kathy), Mary (Scott), Dory, Dan (Evelyn) and their families, her sister Darlene Holien and sister-in-law Fae, sister-in-law Carol and brother-in-law Myron.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at St. Lukes Lutheran Care Center for their love and gentle care they provided throughout Mavis’ time there. Her memory will be a guiding light and she will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege to know her.

A service to celebrate Mavis’ life will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, June 29, 2026, at Grace Lutheran Church in Fairmont. A private family graveside service will be held at a later date in East Chain Evangelical Free Church Cemetery near East Chain, Minn. Visitation will be one hour prior to the time of service from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, June 29, 2026, at Grace Lutheran Church in Fairmont. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Mavis’ name to Hope Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 101, Sunburg, MN 56289. The Lakeview Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Fairmont is assisting the family with the arrangements. www.lakeviewfuneralhome.net.

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