The Fergus Falls Daily Journal

Ila Stavaas, died Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, at Broen Home in Fergus Falls.

She was born Nov. 11, 1920, in rural Walhalla, N.D., to Martin and Nora (Johnsrud) Larson. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. The family moved to Wales, N.D., when she was three.

Following the unexpected death of her father in 1932, the family moved to Langdon, N.D., where she attended school and lived until moving to the Dalton area to work in her aunt’s café in 1939.

She married Orvin Stavaas at the First Lutheran Church parsonage in Fergus Falls in 1940. They made their home in Fergus Falls and resided there since.

During her years of employment she worked at the City Bakery and later Kraning’s Jewelry. She also worked periodically for the Minnesota Poll and as a field worker on a research project for the University of Minnesota.

Ila was a long time member of First Lutheran Church where she served in a variety of activities including Lutheran Stars, Women of ELCA, Altar Guild, Wedding Consultant and Stephen’s Ministry.

She was a member of the Goldenrod Chapter of Eastern Star and the Past Matrons Club, the VFW Auxiliary and for several years worked as a volunteer at Lake Region Hospital.

She enjoyed sewing, crafts and photography. She also loved to travel to visit family. With her many pictures and home movies she was the family historian and compiled her memories into a booklet for her grandchildren. Most of all she loved visiting with family, friends and meeting new people.

Ila was preceded in death by her husband; a daughter, Carol; two sons, Gary and Jerry (infant). All her siblings also preceded her in death and include her sisters, Thelma Jensen, Clarice Young and Juanita (infant), and two brothers, Clynard and Morton; brothers-in-law, Lawrence Jensen, Vernon Miller, Les Courtney and sisters-in-law, Alvina (Stavaas) Courtney, and Sarah Larson.

Survivors include a daughter, Sherry (Norton) Tucker of Bemidji and a son, Richard, of Fergus Falls; seven grandchildren, Laurie (Kip) Monson of Wyoming, James (Shelly) Kiser of Anchorage, Alaska, Amy (John) Sheffield of Bemidji, Jodi (Ryan) Sorenson of Roseau, Jackie (John) Meemkem of Inwood, Iowa, Jennifer (Dave) Sjoberg, of Isanti, and Brent Kiser of Winter Park, Fla.; seven great-grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Beverly (Gerald) Thompson of Fergus Falls and Irene Miller of Rochester; many nieces, nephews and cousins; and extended family.

Memorials are preferred to First Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls or Lakeland Hospice.

Visitation: One hour prior to the service at the church

Memorial Service: 11 a.m. Friday, at First Lutheran Church, Fergus Falls

Clergy: Rev. Jennifer Rose

Burial: Private family burial is planned in First Lutheran North Cemetery, Fergus Falls

Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls

Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com