Mavis was born on November 9, 1926, in Havre, Montana, to Henry and Elizabeth (Hendrickson) Berger. When she was just two years old, her family moved to a farm near Butler, South Dakota, where she was raised alongside her brother, Merle, and sister, Betty Mae.

She attended country school and graduated from Webster High School, and went on to work in her relatives’ cafes as a waitress. Mavis later earned her teaching certificate from Northern Normal School (now known as Northern State University) and taught in a country school west of Butler, where her nurturing spirit and love of learning shaped young lives.

On October 9, 1949, Mavis married the love of her life, Kenneth T. Olson, at Butler Lutheran Church. Together, they made their home on the Olson family farm near Langford. Their marriage was a beautiful example of love, devotion, and partnership, lasting 69 years until Kenneth’s passing in 2019.

Mavis and Kenneth raised five children, instilling in them the values of faith, kindness, and hard work. Their home was a place where faith was lived out daily and where guests were always welcomed with warmth.

Mavis was a devoted member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Langford, where she was actively involved in the Ladies’ Aide, Circle, and church choir. Her deep faith was a guiding light in her life, and she poured her love into her family, her church, and her community.

A consummate homemaker, Mavis had a gift for creating a loving, peaceful home. She loved baking, cooking, canning, gardening, crocheting, and sewing. Her home was a gathering place for family, friends, and neighbors—always filled with laughter, the smell of fresh coffee and cookies, and the sound of children playing in the yard. Her grandchildren fondly remember always finding a jar of sugar cookies waiting for them, no matter the season.

Mavis proudly embraced her Norwegian heritage, preparing traditional dishes like Kumla, which became a cherished tradition passed down through generations. She also had a spirited love for card games, especially King’s Corner, which she played often—and competitively— with her grandchildren.

Her legacy continues through her five children: Allan (Deb) Olson of Mitchell, SD; Elroy (Debbie) Olson of Langford, SD; Joan (Randy) Jones of Lakeland, FL; Leon (Brenda) Olson of Sioux Falls, SD; and Ron (Brenda) Olson of Lincoln, NE.

She is also remembered with love by her 13 grandchildren: Karisa (Christopher) Hart, Erin Olson, Mark (Geneva) Olson, Camille (Ross) Woltjer, Nathan (Sara) Olson, Alicia (Al) Helbig, Tyler (Taylor) Barnes, Mitchell (Heather) Barnes, Matthew Olson, Jared (Micah) Olson, Amanda Knoll, Michael (Jaime) Olson, and Michelle (Trevor) Snyder — along with 33 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Mavis was preceded in death by her beloved husband, her parents, her sister, and her brother.

“Blessed are those who die in the Lord... they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.” – Revelation 14:13 Condolences can be directed to the family in care of Elroy Olson – 42227 126th St. Langford, SD 57454 An online guestbook and obituary are available at www. olsonfuneralchapel.com