Avis Nelson

Avis E. Nelson, age 89 of Sauk Centre, formerly of Grand Forks, North Dakota, died peacefully on Sunday, February 23, 2020, at the CentraCare Health Nursing Home in Sauk Centre, Minnesota.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 29, at Zion Lutheran Church in Sauk Centre with Rev. Marty Porter officiating. Interment will be Monday, March 2, at 12 p.m. in Memorial Park South Cemetery in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the church.

Avis Elaine Roberts was born on May 29, 1930 in Perham, Minnesota to Francis and Agnes (Anderson) Roberts. She attended school in the Frazee school district. On June 6, 1948, she married Lief Nelson in Dawson, Minnesota. They had three children: Roger, Shari, and Lisa.

Avis was proud to be a stay-at-home Mom. Lief was in the Air Force, and they moved many times in his career.  He was sent on several unaccompanied tours overseas, which left the parenting up to her. Avis and Lief moved to Grand Forks, North Dakota in 1970. Lief passed away on March 13,1995. Avis married Al Holter on September 26, 1998. She remained in Grand Forks until 2015 when she then moved to Sauk Centre. Avis enjoyed sewing, playing cards, and doing crossword puzzles. She also loved to read and spend time with her family.

Avis' faith was very important to her. She taught Sunday School, attended Bible studies, and sang in the choir at Sharon Lutheran in Grand Forks. She also did volunteer work at the nursing home and helped make lefse at her church.

Survivors include her children, Roger (Mary) Nelson of Queen Creek, Arizona, Shari Gamradt of Sauk Centre, and Lisa Thornton of Grand Forks, North Dakota; seven grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and siblings, Jim (Karen) Roberts, Dodie Hodgson, Gene Roberts, and Don Roberts.

Avis was preceded in death by her husband, Lief Nelson on March 13, 1995; second husband, Al Holter on March 29, 2011; parents; sons-in-law, Gary Gamradt and Jeff Thornton; infant grandson, Gene Gamradt; brothers, Willard and Roger Roberts; sister, JoAnn Olson; brothers-in-law, Virgil Olson and Dan Hodgson; and sisters-in-law, Andrea Roberts and Debbie Roberts.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. No thank you cards will be sent.