Avis Myra Larsen, formerly of Grand Forks and East Grand Forks, passed away at the age of 96 years, 11 months, 28 days on June 18, 2018 in Burnsville, MN.  At the time of her death she was a resident of Emerald Crest Memory Care in Burnsville.

Avis was born June 20, 1921 in McIntosh, MN, to Anton E. and Mabel A. (Enevold) Olson.  While she was christened Myra Avis, she called herself Avis M(yra) for most of her life.  Avis graduated from McIntosh High School and attended Northern Business College in Bemidji, MN.  Prior to marrying, she worked at the local bank in McIntosh.

Avis married Alvin (Al) M. Larsen of Fosston, MN, on February 15, 1942, in West Allis, WI.  Shortly thereafter they moved to Grand Forks, ND, where Al was employed at J.C. Penney until his retirement.  Avis and Al were charter members of Calvary Lutheran Church in Grand Forks, with Avis being an active member in the life of the church.  Later, when Avis and Al moved to East Grand Forks, they became charter members of Family of God Lutheran Church.  Avis remained active in this church, especially in WELCA.

After marrying, Avis supported her family with her gardening, canning/freezing her garden crops, and her sewing.  Initially she sewed for her family, but she soon branched out and sewed for her many friends and neighbors as well, expanding her talents to the delicate work of wedding dresses.  She also for some years was an exclusive custom drapery seamstress for Norby's of Grand Forks.  While raising her four sons, she served on the PTA, and was a den mother and a Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher.  She was a friend to many, and some younger folks at church "adopted" her as a grandmother.

Avis is survived by her sons Lynn (B. Jeanne Tandberg), Berthoud, CO; Gary, San Antonio, TX; Curtis (Marilyn Yates), Benbrook, TX; Brian (Laurel Fry), Burnsville, MN; 9 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren; her sister and brother-in-law, Lilah and Ray Solie, Everett, WA; and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her husband Al, twin infant sons Stephen and Philip, and daughter-in-law Lindee (Stenvold).  Avis will be greatly missed by all her loving family and friends, but we rest on the assurance that she has joined "the great white-robed flock" praising her Lord and God in Heaven.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorials be sent to: Lutheran World Relief, P.O. Box 17061, Baltimore, MD  21298-9832 or to the donor's choice.

Funeral Service :    11:00 AM, Saturday, June 23, 2018 at the Family of God Church, East Grand Forks, MN.

Visitation: One Hour before Service

Interment: Resurrection Cemetery, East Grand Forks, MN.