Avis Wilhelmsen

Funeral services for Avis Wilhelmsen were held on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Burke, SD, with Pastor Thanael Certa-Werner officiating. Music was provided by Kelly Frank, soloist, and Fran Eide, organist. Deb Leibel and Pat Cerny were in charge of registration, and Twylah Ward and Linda Purvis were flower attendants. Honorary casket bearers were Vance Johnson, Tyler Johnson, Spencer Johnson, Tucker Johnson, Melvin Vosika, and Joe Kellen. Interment will be at a later date. Clausen Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Avis Marilyn Papke was born on April 15, 1936, in Stuart, NE, at a private residence, the youngest child of Katherine Kierstead Papke and Thomas Papke. They lived on a ranch along the Niobrara River where Avis was a self-proclaimed tomboy who rode her horse Dolly Dimples and helped with all the chores. Her father died when Avis was eleven years old. Avis and her mother then moved to Stuart, NE.

Avis married Harold Eugene Johnson on December 17, 1951 and to this union five children were born. Harold was killed in a farm accident on July 27, 1964.

Avis was a widow with four young children living on a farm near Burke when she met Luther Wilhelmsen, who had just returned from Army duty in Korea. They were married on April 2, 1966. Avis and Luther shared nearly 58 years together.

Avis promised her mother when she married at age 15 that she would finish high school eventually and she kept that promise. Avis went back to high school in Burke, graduating with the class of 1966. Avis then began a long career with the post office, starting as a rural carrier, and retiring as the postmaster of Burke in 2000.

Avis and Luther enjoyed two decades of being snow birds at their home in Yuma, AZ. They made many friends at the Country Roads resort. Avis and Luther also had a cabin on the Missouri River and enjoyed many summers of boating and visiting.

She had a green thumb and could grow anything. She always had a huge garden full of vegetables to preserve and cannas that she faithfully dug up and stored each fall.

Avis was a member of the Burke community for over 60 years. She had served on the school board, was a member of the United Methodist Church, and she was a member of the VFW Auxiliary, serving in different officer positions and serving many meals.

Avis is survived by her granddaughter, Jamie Kellen and husband Joe, and their two daughters, Emma and Paige, of Burke, SD; son Russell Johnson and wife Joni; daughterin-law Marsha Johnson; son Walter Johnson; and daughter Sherri Vosika and husband John; grandchildren: Victoria Hinek, Vance Johnson, Ashley Green, Tyler Johnson, Jamie Kellen, Melvin Vosika, Jessie McIlvenna, Kristin Marias, and Tucker Johnson; and 14 great-grandchildren.

Avis was preceded in death by her parents; five siblings; infant daughter Merri; first husband Harold Johnson; son Rodney L. Johnson; and grandson Spencer Johnson.