Avis Irene Wagner

Avis's Memorial Service can be seen here: https://vimeo.com/735810388

Our dear mother, Avis Irene (Stafford) Wagner sadly passed away on July 28, 2022, at the age of 83 at Bethany Towers Fargo, ND, after months of health setbacks and the recent loss of her husband of 59 years, Myron Wagner.

Avis was born at 2:15am on June 30, 1939 to Merticedna (Stearns) Stafford and Edward Stafford in Pelican Rapids, MN. She was named after her Aunts Avis and Irene Stearns. As a child her family moved frequently throughout the Red River Valley due to her father's work. After graduating from Pelican Rapids High School, Avis continued her education at Lutheran Deaconess Hospital in St. Paul, MN receiving an R.N. degree in Nursing. This degree would lead to a life long path of caring for others. Avis took great pride in her nursing skills and her 35 year career that included working at both St. Ansqar and St. John's hospitals.

This caretaking role for Avis began early in life as she took care of her younger brother, Lester, and continuing on with the care of her Father, Father-in-law, and for the past years, her husband Myron. Her family truly believes that it was Avis' love, expert care, and compassion that kept him alive all those years with a terminal illness.

One of Avis' strongest convictions was her belief in the promises of God. As a young woman she volunteered at the Billy Graham Crusade in Minneapolis. Attending services and reading scripture were always important to Avis, even more so after her husband's illness. When she and Myron could no longer physically attend church services they watched together over the phone at Bethany.

Some of Avis' favorite hobbies included gardening, canning, Church Circle, attending her children's activities, and the thing that brought her the most joy in the last few years of her life, reading. Reading was Avis' ultimate escape. Her favorite treats were white chocolate and jelly beans; both of which she snuck against doctor's advice.

Anyone who ever knew Avis was certainly moved by her quiet strength. Having been diagnosed with crippling rheumatoid arthritis at the age of 35, she never complained, made excuses, gave in, or quit. This strength was deeply admired by her family and anyone who met Avis.

One of Myron and Avis' favorite past times was finding the perfect place for a beautiful home. After doing so 14 times their physical limitations finally led them to the heart breaking decision to move into nursing care. It wasn't easy but Avis knew it was the right decision.

Avis leaves behind her children Tracey (Dan), El Dorado, CA, Derrik, Denver, CO, Kim (Brian), Devil's Lake, ND, and Kevin (Sonja), Missoula, MT; six grandchildren whom she adored, Brantley, Jesse, Isabella, Axel, Chace, and Cullen; her brother, Lester (ViAnn) Stafford and sister in-law Marilyn (Wagner) Johnson.

Avis was preceded in death by her husband, Myron, her parents, her infant brothers Jimmy and George Stafford, and her in-laws Carl and Hazel Wagner.

"We love and miss you dearly Mom, but we are glad you and dad are together and that you are no longer in pain."