Mavis Siewert

Obituary

Mavis Darlene Siewert was born on January 7, 1935, in Dawson, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Merle and Maggie (Willroth) Rowland, one of the middle children of the Rowland fourteen – three boys and eleven girls. Mavis was baptized on April 15, 1949, at the First Congregational Church in Gaylord and was later confirmed as an adult on December 14, 1956, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Mountville. She received her education at country school through the 8^th grade and was a graduate of the Gaylord High School Class of 1953.

On April 29, 1956, Mavis was united in marriage to John Siewert at the United Church of Christ in Gaylord. After their marriage, the couple resided in rural Gaylord. Soon after, they moved into town and became lifelong residents. This union was blessed with two children, Kari and Todd. She worked at the Gaylord Mercantile, Fingerhut, Super Valu and Jerry’s Home Quality Foods. Upon her retirement, she became grandma Mavis full-time caring for her grandchildren, along with grandpa John. Mavis and John shared 63 years of marriage when John passed away on January 8, 2020.

Mavis was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Gaylord, the Women’s League, Altar Guild, and was a member of the Choir. She also served as Sunday School Secretary and was a classroom helper at Immanuel Lutheran School. As a member of the Sibley County Choral Society, Mavis sang tenor with John.

Mavis enjoyed collecting Beanie Babies and Loons. She liked to crochet, play cards, play Hearts on her GrandPad, do word puzzles and read, especially Danielle Steel novels. Oh, and ice cream...cappuccino gold and Georgia mud fudge blizzards. She enjoyed many an annual trip to Branson with her lady friends, even zip-lining on one such trip. She cherished the time she spent with her family, especially her children, grandchildren and great-granddaughters. She spent many an hour as a fan and audience member watching sports, music, theater and dance events.

When she needed assistance with her care, Mavis lived with her daughter for nine months, then became a resident of Pheasants Ridge Assisted Living in St. Peter where she passed away with family present on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at the age of 89 years. Blessed be her memory.

Mavis is survived by her:
Children,  Kari Evans and Todd Siewert;
Grandchildren, Brian Evans (Kari Mosel), Marcus Evans (Jewel Machulis), Erin (Adam) Arnst;
Great-granddaughters, Oren Arnst, Ayda Arnst, Lenox Evans Mosel, Mavri Evans;
Siblings, Elva Senske, Lorna Kuphal, Sharon Larson, Mary Beth (Kenny) Waterman, Alan (Laurie) Rowland;
Nieces, Nephews, other relatives and friends.

Mavis was preceded in death by her Parents, Merle and Maggie Rowland; Husband, John “Zippy” Siewert; Sons-in-law, Duane Evans and Bill Roehl; Siblings, Arlo (Janice) Rowland, Joyce (Maynard) Borchert, Ardell Rowland, Eunice (Alex) Gasow, Marlys Rowland, Lois Frauendienst, Kathy (Roger) Knacke, Linda (Marv) Wallender; Parents-in-law, Bill and Agnes Siewert; Brothers-in-law, Clarence Senske, Albert Kuphal, Lance Larson, Gene Siewert; Sister-in-law, Lois Siewert.

The family extends a most sincere thank you to Pheasants Ridge and Ridgeview Hospice for the love and care they provided for Mavis.