Mavis Haugstad

Mavis Haugstad passed away on Friday, June 20, 2025, at the Hillsboro Medical Center Nursing Home at the age of 98.

Mavis Judith Knutson was born on February 24, 1927, in Crookston, MN, the daughter of John and Mabel (Iverson) Knutson. She grew up in Nielsville, MN, where she attended school through the eighth grade and graduated from Climax High School in 1945. She continued her education at North Dakota State University in Fargo.

Mavis was united in marriage to Vernon Haugstad on December 28, 1948, in Nielsville. The couple moved to Silver Bay, MN, where they made their home for over 30 years. After their retirement, they moved back to North Dakota to the farmstead that Vernon’s grandfather homesteaded in 1881 and spent 27 years enjoying farm life. Together they enjoyed 66 years of marriage – Vernon passed away on December 14, 2014.

Throughout the years Mavis kept busy with being a Sunday School Teacher, a Girl Scout Leader, working election polls and loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She followed their activities closely and attended everything that she could. Mavis was a baker and was known for her cinnamon rolls, donuts, and lefse. She loved crafting with Vernon and shared many of her talents with friends, neighbors, and family. She loved to visit and entertain whenever she could – her home was always open and was always welcoming to everyone.

Mavis is survived by her son, Russell (Debi) Haugstad of Beulah, ND; her daughter, Jody (Jack) Culhane of Rushford, MN; her four grandchildren – Brooke (Erik) Smith of St. Cloud, MN; Brian (Courtney) Haugstad of Brainerd, MN; Lindsey (Aaron) Peterson of Dallas, TX; and Dustin (Liz) Culhane of Charlotte, NC; and her six very special great-grandchildren – Ellie, Easton, and Deklan Haugstad; Luxxe and Sloane Peterson; and Graham Culhane. Also surviving are her brother, John (Sharon) Knutson and her sister-in-law, Leatrice Dell, all of Moorhead, MN.

Mavis was preceded in death by her parents, John and Mabel; her husband, Vernon; and her siblings – Beverly Martinson, Joanne Haugen, Sonja Beltz, and Duaine Knutson.

Mavis ended every conversation with her son and daughter with a ….. “I love you so much, Dad and I are so blest to have been able to adopt you, we are so proud of you”.

The family would like to offer a very special thank you to all of her wonderful caregivers and friends at the Hillsboro Medical Center Nursing Home. The loving care and concern shown to her the past few years, and especially in her final days, will never be forgotten.

MEMORIAL SERVICE: 12:30 PM Monday, June 23, 2025, at the Hillsboro Medical Center Nursing Home Chapel – with a visitation beginning at 10:30 AM
BURIAL: Salem Lutheran Church Cemetery, near Nielsville, MN

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Wildeman-Boulger Funeral Chapel in Hillsboro, ND. To sign the online guest book, please visit our website at www.boulgerfuneralhome.com