Avis Mattson, 78, died on Wednesday, February 27, 2008 at MeritCare Northwest Campus, Thief River Falls, MN.

Funeral service will be held at 3:00 PM Sunday, March 2, 2008 at Evangelical Free Church in Newfolden, MN with Pastor Gary Barrett officiating. Burial will follow at Folden Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a 7:00 PM prayer service on Saturday, March 1, 2008 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN. Visitation will also be held for one hour prior to the funeral at the church on Sunday.

Avis Gladys Bakke was born on January 11, 1930 in Marsh Grove Township, Marshall County, MN the daughter of Adolph and Alice (Gast) Bakke. She was baptized and confirmed at the Bethesda Church. She grew up and attended Sunnyside School.

She was married to Harold W. Johnson and they lived in Marsh Grove Township. To this union two children were born, Helen and David.

On March 21, 1951 Avis was united in marriage to Melvin J. Mattson. To this union four children were born, Bev, Marti, Marlin and Vonnie. They lived a short time in South Dakota and then returned to Thief River Falls. They eventually made their home in Newfolden.

Avis was employed by Marshall County Home Health Aide Service. She was also employed by Northwest Medical Center in Thief River Falls for 23 years as a housekeeper.

Avis was a member of the Evangelical Free Church and enjoyed serving with the ladies aide in Newfolden, MN. She was also a member of the VFW Auxiliary in Thief River Falls. She volunteered many years for Modern Woodman and the New Maine 4-H Club. Avis could be found spending many hours in her flower and vegetable gardens. During her lifetime she made many quilts, embroidery items, and homemade rugs. Many people learned of her talent of rug weaving at the Marshall County Historical Society in Warren, MN.

Avis created many floats for local parades which included participation by her children and grandchildren. Many meals and Scandinavian treats were served by Avis. Avis continued to live in her Newfolden home for two years with the compassionate care of her personal care attendants.

Avis is survived by six children: Helen (Richard) Flodstrom, Swift Falls, MN, David Johnson, Thief River Falls, MN, Bev Johnson, Crookston, MN, Marti (Rod) Benson, Benson, MN, Marlin (Sue) Mattson, Newfolden, MN and LaVonne Vonnie (Roger) Schmitz, Newfolden, MN; 15 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren; brothers and sister, Robert (Maryann) Bakke, Thief River Falls, Arlene Ness, Middle River, MN, and Les (Rose) Bakke, Moorhead, MN; she is also survived by many other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Harold on October 7, 1948 and Melvin on February 12, 2005; brothers, Arvin Pete and Larry; and son-in-law, Randy Johnson.

Family condolences may be sent to www.johnsonfuneralservice.com

ORGANIST: Beverly Lindstrom
SPECIAL MUSIC: Lois Peterson & Lois Anderson
SELECTIONS: In The Garden & Precious Lord, Take My Hand
CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS: Amazing Grace & How Great Thou Art
CASKETBEARERS: Rick Johnson, Ryan Schmitz, Aaron Benson, Matthew Matt Mattson, Christopher Chris Moehring and all of Aviss Grandchildren
HONORARY CASKETBEARERS: Aviss Personal Care Attendants: Bev Johnson, Marti Benson, Elaine Miller, Shirley Sannes, Nicole Kaml, Ellen Latta, Arlette DeFreece, Connie Klovstad